Kashmiri Pandits Feel Cast Out Over Grant Of over 83,000 Domicile Certificates To Non-Locals: Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 April 2025
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· Kashmiri Pandits Feel Cast Out Over Grant Of over 83,000 Domicile Certificates To Non-Locals: Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti
· Chairman Of The Council Of Ulama, Nigeria, Defends Death Penalty For Whoever Changes Religion
· Turkiye’s Erdogan Meets Pro-Kurdish Politicians As They Seek To End A 40-Year Conflict
· How Saudi Arabia Is Protecting Users’ Privacy And Data From Harmful Artificial Intelligence
· Balochistan Politicians Chide Mengal Over His Criticism Of PPP
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India
· BJP To Carry Out Nationwide ‘Waqf Reform And Public Awareness Campaign’ From April 20 To May 5
· India raises infiltration attempts, ceasefire violations at flag meeting with Pakistan
· Tahawwur Rana’s Extradition Possible Due To Institutional Initiatives Started During UPA: Congress
· Protest against Waqf Act will continue, says Congress MLA Arif Masood
· BJP-led Waqf Board, Omar government at odds on Act in J&K
· Two J&K govt employees sacked for 'terror links'
· MLA from Manipur moves Supreme Court challenging amendments to Waqf Act, calls tweaks biased
· Muslims protest Waqf Bill in Bhopal
· ‘More Muslim Than…’: Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal Booked For ‘Provocative’ Speech On Rama Navami
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Africa
· Ekiti appeals to Muslim leaders over demolished mosque
· ‘Tinubu Government Reduces Career Diplomats In Ambassadorial Nominee List’
· Insecurity: Idris Involving Himself In Trivial Matters To Gain Cheap Popularity – Lawmaker
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Mideast
· Turkish and Israeli move to head off Syria crisis Talks to prevent armed clashes
· Syria Kurds say struck deal with Damascus on battleground dam
· Kurds to push for federal system in post-Assad Syria
· Migrant killed in clash at makeshift camp in Tunisia
· Amputees in Gaza face life in war zone with little hope
· Syria, South Korea establish diplomatic ties, open embassies
· Israel says air force to fire pilots who signed Gaza war petition
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia Was Green Corridor 8 Million Years Ago: Saudi Heritage Commission
· Bangladesh Bringing Saudi Ties To ‘New Heights,’ Envoy Says
· Alula Joins Five Saudi Cities In IMD World Smart City Index 2025
· Reseda Alba, An Aromatic Herb Found Across Saudi Arabia, Plays Vital Role In Fighting Desertification
· AlUla Skies Festival 2025 returns next week
· Endangered species find new home in Saudi royal reserve
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Pakistan
· Terror main hurdle to better ties, Kabul told
· NPC calls Muslims states to take unanimous actions against Israel
· Supreme Court’s CB Judge Points Out ‘Discrepancy’ In Civilians’ Court Martial
· Deported felons’ passports to be blocked: Naqvi
· KP CM aide rules out possibility of giving mines’ control to Centre
· Sindh CM announces establishment of special unit for social media safety
· PTI moves resolution against Indus canals project in NA
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North America
· Islamic City Planned For Texas Hires Ex-Paxton Attorney To Defuse Sharia Law Concerns
· CAIR Marks End of 2025 Md. Legislative Session With Reflections on Key Progress, Challenges
· CAIR Says Senate Confirmation of Huckabee Will Hurt Muslim and Christian Palestinian Rights
· CAIR Condemns Removal of North Carolina Plaques Covering Tribute to ‘Heroes of the Confederacy’
· Trump may have backtracked, but this is far from over
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South Asia
· Bangladesh Mosques To Hold Special Prayers For Victims Of Israeli Atrocities In Gaza
· UNAMA Criticizes Taliban Virtue Ministry For Human Rights Violations
· IEA supreme leader urges officials to serve diligently
· Islamic Emirate Seeks Peace and Stability for Afghanistan: Russia
· Germany to expand deportation plan to Afghanistan under new Government
· Amir al-Mu’minin Orders New Appointments in Key Institution
· US resumes emergency food aid, excludes Afghanistan and Yemen
· WHO reports nine Polio Cases in Afghanistan in four months
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Europe
· Teenager Denies Vandalising Mosque In 'Hate Crime'
· Tan Dhesi Celebrates The Annual Unity Iftar
· Oldest Post Office scandal victim says new compensation offer 'not good enough'
· Zelensky labels Putin aide a ‘separatist born in Ukraine’
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Southeast Asia
· Indonesia's Baznas Sends 10,000 Sarongs To Quake-Hit Myanmar Muslims
· Education must embrace knowledge and core human values, says PM Anwar
· M’sia to continue advocating for Gaza while safeguarding national interests - PM Anwar
· After Terengganu MB’s surveillance claim, PM Anwar confirms all top leaders monitored including him
· Ahead of PKR polls, Anwar warns against disunity, urges members to pick trustworthy leaders
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kashmiri-pandits-certificates-sangharsh-samiti/d/135131
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Kashmiri Pandits Feel Cast Out Over Grant Of over 83,000 Domicile Certificates To Non-Locals: Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti
Muzaffar Raina/11.04.25
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Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley feel cast out over the grant of domicile certificates to over 83,000 non-locals in the last two years, saying the government was welcoming outsiders with open arms but was turning a blind eye to members of the community who never left.
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday told the Assembly that 83,742 domicile certificates had been granted to non-locals in the past two years, triggering outrage in the region.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS), which represents Pandits who never migrated, shared the anguish but for a different reason.
The group said it unequivocally rejected the government’s “policy of demographic accommodation without any accompanying framework for rehabilitative justice”, suggesting their only concern was the proper rehabilitation of non-displaced Pandits.
Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir, on the other hand, see the policy as an assault on their majority status.
KPSS leader Sanjay Tickoo said in a statement that an average of 115 domicile certificates are issued to non-locals every day in Jammu and Kashmir. He called it a “figure too precise to overlook and too alarming to be dismissed as routine administrative procedure”.
“The actual number could be significantly higher if data since 2019 were to be taken into account. While the government claims this as part of its post-Article 370 ‘integration process’, it is painfully evident that integration has been selectively applied — welcoming outsiders with open arms while turning a blind eye to the plight of those who never left,” he said.
Tickoo said 3,445 Pandits chose to stay back in their homeland amid violence and turmoil, trusting the government’s promises of protection and rehabilitation.
“Today, that trust stands shattered. These families continue to live in hostile conditions, often in abject poverty, without jobs, security, or access to welfare benefits extended to others under centrally sponsored schemes,” he said, an apparent reference to migrant Pandits who are being wooed with jobs and rehabilitation schemes.
The central government has provided 6,000 jobs to migrant Pandits in different departments in the Valley to woo the community back.
“The question arises: Is the policy of justice selective? If domicile is a tool of empowerment and belonging, why has it not been used first to restore dignity to the indigenous community still surviving against the odds in the Valley?” he asked.
The Pandit leader claimed the government’s silence was deafening and its alleged apathy institutionalised. “It feels as though the state has adopted the policy of ‘Apno par sitam, gairon par karam (Cruelty against own people and love for outsiders)’. We are not against the rights of any Indian citizen. But what we oppose — morally, emotionally and legally — is the continued systemic exclusion of original stakeholders from a land they spiritually and culturally belong to,” Tickoo said.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kashmiri-pandits-feel-cast-out-over-grant-of-domicile-certificates-to-non-locals-prnt/cid/2093489
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Chairman Of The Council Of Ulama, Nigeria, Defends Death Penalty For Whoever Changes Religion
11th April 2025
Rotimi Agbana
The National Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo
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An Islamic cleric and the National Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo, has endorsed death penalty for religious faithful who renounce their religion.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Jalingo openly defended a Hadith prescribing the death penalty for apostates and accused critics of Hadith literature of what he described as “compound ignorance.”
The cleric made the statement in response to criticisms questioning the authenticity of the Hadith, alleging that it contradicts the Quran.
A Hadith is a report of the sayings, actions, or approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It serves as a key source of guidance in Islam, second only to the Qur’an.
In his post, Jalingo launched a detailed theological rebuttal against what he described as “fabricators” attempting to discredit the Hadith.
Jalingo, wrote: “Today, I came across the first Hadith among the supposed ‘100 Hadiths’ which the fabricators claim contradict the Qur’an. They assert that Muslims who believe in both the divine revelation of the Hadith and the Qur’an cannot respond to them! The Hadith in question is: ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him.’ The person who presented this statement by the fabricators to me is someone named Issiyaku Abdulkadir.
“Here is what I wrote in response to the claims of these fabricators: First, I thank you for starting to bring me what this compound ignoramus refers to as ‘100 Hadiths that contradict the verses of the Qur’an.’ This will, God willing, give me the opportunity to expose his ignorance to the world”, Jalingo’s statement partly read.
He continued by reinforcing the divine origin of Hadith, equating it with the Qur’an: “Second: It should be made clear to everyone that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never said: ‘The role of Hadith is to interpret the Qur’an.’ However, the Prophet said: ‘Indeed, I was given the Qur’an and something like it alongside it.’ What is true is that the Qur’an is a revelation from Allah, and so is the Hadith a revelation from Allah. Often, the Qur’an addresses a matter in a summarised or brief way, and then the revelation of Hadith comes to elaborate on that matter.”
In what is sure to spark fierce debates among scholars and human rights advocates, Jalingo defended the Hadith calling for the execution of apostates, citing Qur’anic verses in support: “Third: The Hadith you cited—’Whoever changes his religion, kill him’—is authentic and does not contradict the Qur’anic revelation. This is because Allah says in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 5: ‘Then, when the sacred months have passed, kill the polytheists wherever you find them.’
He supported his claims with another Quranic citation in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 193, saying, “Fight them until there is no more fitnah (disbelief and oppression) and religion is for Allah alone.’ Meaning: fight them until they accept Islam.
And in Surah An-Nisa’, verse 89: ‘Kill them wherever you find them.’ And again in Surah An-Nisa’, verse 91: ‘Kill them wherever you confront them.'”
He further declared that the widely quoted verse advocating freedom of religion had been abrogated: “You see, unless someone is completely ignorant like the fabricators, no one would claim that the Hadith which says ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him’ contradicts the Qur’an—because the Qur’an itself goes even further. It does not only permit the killing of apostates, but all polytheists in certain contexts.
“Fourth: You should also know that the verse ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ (La ikrah fi ad-deen) has had its ruling abrogated (naskh) by the verses we’ve just quoted, as well as by the very Hadith you brought: ‘Whoever changes his religion, kill him.’ And abrogation is a well-established concept within the revelation of the Glorious Qur’an.”
In a final explosive comment, Jalingo launched a personal attack on his critics, stating, “This is a brief response to the compounded ignorance of this individual—whose approach and manner resemble that of prostitutes and effeminate men—i.e., the so-called fabricators.”
The cleric’s post has since gone viral across social media, drawing both support and backlash.
While some hardline followers praised him for defending Islam, other Muslim voices have condemned the remarks as dangerous and inflammatory.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/islamic-cleric-defends-death-penalty-for-whoever-changes-religion/
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Turkiye’s Erdogan meets pro-Kurdish politicians as they seek to end a 40-year conflict
April 10, 2025
Turkiye’s President Tayyip Erdogan meets with pro-Kurdish DEM Party MPs Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder in Ankara, Apr. 10, 2025. (Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Reuters)
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ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday held a first meeting with pro-Kurdish politicians who are working to bring an end to the 40-year conflict between Turkiye and Kurdish militants.
Erdogan met Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, parliamentary deputies for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM Party, at the presidential palace in Ankara.
“It was a very positive meeting, it went well. We are much more hopeful,” Onder said.
In a statement after the meeting, the DEM Party said it was held “in an extremely positive, constructive, productive and hopeful atmosphere for the future,” emphasizing the “vital importance” of maintaining a ceasefire and strengthening political dialogue.
Also present at the 1½ hour meeting were intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Efkan Ala, deputy chairperson of Erdogan’s party.
Buldan and Onder have been among those to visit the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, in a bid to build a framework to end fighting that has caused tens of thousands of deaths.
Abdullah Ocalan, whose PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye and most Western states, called for the group to disband and disarm in late February. Days later the PKK announced a ceasefire.
The PKK appealed for Ocalan to be released from the island prison where he has been held since 1999 to “personally direct and execute” a party congress that would lead to the group’s dissolution.
Erdogan at the time described developments as an “opportunity to take a historic step toward tearing down the wall of terror” between Turks and Kurds.
Since then little concrete progress has been seen, with the government not publicly offering any incentives or proposals to the PKK. Instead, the Turkish military has kept up its campaign against PKK insurgents in northern Iraq while Turkish-backed Syrian groups combat PKK-linked fighters in northeast Syria.
The PKK’s ceasefire came against the backdrop of fundamental changes in the region, including the reconfiguration of power in neighboring Syria after the toppling of President Bashar Assad, the weakening of the Hezbollah militant movement in Lebanon and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
It also followed judicial pressure on the DEM Party, with several of its mayors being removed from office in recent months and replaced by government appointees.
Some believe the main aim of the reconciliation effort is for Erdogan’s government to garner Kurdish support for a new constitution that would allow him to remain in power beyond 2028, when his term ends.
The ceasefire is the first sign of a breakthrough since peace talks between the PKK and Ankara broke down in the summer of 2015.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2596578/middle-east
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How Saudi Arabia Is Protecting Users’ Privacy And Data From Harmful Artificial Intelligence
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
April 10, 2025
As AI becomes increasingly entangled in the infrastructure of modern life, protecting privacy is no longer a niche concern — it’s a collective responsibility, says Cognizant executive Osama El-Masry. (Getty Images illustration image)
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RIYADH: As artificial intelligence seeps deeper into everyday life — from smart assistants and facial recognition to online shopping and AI-generated selfies — so too do the threats to personal data and privacy.
The dazzling capabilities of AI come at a cost many users do not fully grasp: exposure to data collection, surveillance, and potential misuse. And in a world where convenience often trumps caution, experts are urging users and organizations alike to slow down and scrutinize the digital tools they engage with.
“AI systems often depend on vast amounts of data, including sensitive personal information, which raises significant privacy issues,” Osama El-Masry, who leads data protection and privacy practice delivery for the Middle East region at the IT consulting firm Cognizant, told Arab News.
“Many users are unaware of how their data is collected, stored, and utilized, leading to fears of unauthorized access or misuse. For example, technologies like facial recognition can infringe on individual privacy without consent, posing risks of surveillance and tracking.”
This warning comes amid growing concerns about how AI software processes user data — especially in apps and platforms that seem harmless at first glance.
While regulation and ethical oversight are often viewed as a government or corporate responsibility, El-Masry stresses that users must also play an active role.
“This means reading privacy policies and being aware of what personal information is collected and how it may be used or shared,” he said.
“A critical aspect of this responsibility is limiting the sharing of personal data when using AI tools. Users should strive to provide only the minimum necessary information required to achieve their desired outcomes, avoiding unnecessary disclosure of sensitive data.”
In short, treat AI tools like you would any new technology: with a mix of curiosity and caution. The onus is on users to learn how their data is handled and to be wary of oversharing. On the flip side, organizations must prioritize privacy from the very beginning of product design.
“This involves implementing strong data protection measures, ensuring transparency and explainability in data usage, and adhering to AI and privacy regulations/principles,” El-Masry said. “Organizations should also clearly communicate their data practices to users, fostering an environment of trust.
“Ultimately, a collaborative approach, where both parties understand their roles and responsibilities regarding privacy, is essential for protecting personal information in the age of AI.
“By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
Take the current obsession with AI art filters, for instance. Millions of users upload their photos to apps that transform them into anime characters or classic oil paintings. But what happens to those original images?
“Many users may not realize that while the effect is fun, their original images are still being processed and may be retained by the app,” said El-Masry.
“This underscores the importance of being mindful about which platforms and applications are trusted with personal images and data. By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse.”
It’s a simple but powerful reminder: Just because something looks like harmless fun, doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Every interaction with AI — no matter how trivial it seems — carries data implications.
Users are also advised to challenge the information they receive from AI platforms. While many tools promise personalization and convenience, they can just as easily perpetuate bias or inaccuracies.
“Continuous education about AI ethics and privacy implications empowers users to make informed choices about their interactions with these technologies,” said El-Masry. “Users should also advocate for ethical data practices within their communities, promoting accountability among developers and organizations.
“It’s important to recognize that AI applications vary widely, with some being non-privacy-related, such as telecom network enhancements and medical diagnostics, and others being privacy-sensitive, like marketing profiling and predictive analysis.
“Users should be particularly cautious when interacting with AI technologies in privacy-sensitive fields, as these applications often involve the handling of personal data that can impact privacy rights.”
There are ways to navigate the AI landscape safely. One approach is to seek out AI tools that prioritize user privacy through transparent practices and robust protection measures.
“By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse,” said El-Masry.
The stakes are higher than many realize. As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe.
El-Masry lists several privacy threats tied to AI applications, including “unintended biased decisions, unethical AI use cases, data leaks, decisions ambiguity, and the use of AI with vulnerable data subjects.
“This is becoming a global concern and the driver for the issuance of the different ethical AI regulations/principles by many policymakers across different regions and countries to mitigate the above risks associated with the use of AI.
While much of the world is still struggling to keep pace with innovation, Saudi Arabia has moved to regulate and promote the ethical use of data and AI.
“The Kingdom introduced the Personal Data Protection Law, which establishes clear guidelines for data collection, processing, and sharing, ensuring that individuals’ privacy rights are protected,” said El-Masry.
“This framework aligns with international standards, signaling a commitment to responsible data management.”
The country’s National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence is another critical piece of its governance efforts. It aims to build a culture of innovation without compromising ethical boundaries.
“Notably, SDAIA has issued a set of ethical AI principles that emphasize fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy,” said El-Masry. “These principles guide the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are used responsibly and ethically.”
Despite Saudi Arabia’s leadership, data privacy in the broader Middle East remains patchy. Many countries still lack comprehensive legal frameworks to protect users’ rights.
El-Masry believes that’s an area ripe for action. “Governments should establish comprehensive AI and data privacy laws and regulations that align with international standards, providing clear guidelines for data processing.”
He also advocates for coordinated public-private collaboration to raise the bar for compliance and innovation across the region.
“Organizations must prioritize compliance and even go beyond compliance and acknowledge the value of investing in implementing data responsibility practices and technologies that ensure robust privacy compliance and AI governance in conducting business, which has a direct impact on their revenues and sustainability. There are clear examples of private organizations who adopted this approach and (have) proven to be competitive and successful.
“Organizations should communicate their data practices clearly to build public trust. Additionally, mandating that organizations document AI use cases involving personal data and ensuring periodic reviews of AI algorithms can help maintain compliance with privacy regulations.
“Governments can support this by providing resources, consultation, and training to enhance organizations’ privacy and AI governance capabilities.”
While legislation and corporate responsibility are critical, El-Masry says individuals must also be empowered to take charge of their own digital lives. He calls for greater awareness and education around data privacy.
“By adopting a proactive and unified approach, both organizations and governments can create a safer digital environment that prioritizes privacy for all,” he said.
As AI becomes increasingly entangled in the infrastructure of modern life, protecting privacy is no longer a niche concern — it’s a collective responsibility. From the laws that govern AI to the choices we make about which apps to trust, the future of digital safety depends on everyone playing their part.
As El-Masry puts it: “By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2596610/saudi-arabia
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Balochistan politicians chide Mengal over his criticism of PPP
Saleem Shahid
April 11, 2025
PROVINCIAL minister Mir Sadiq Umrani addresses a press conference alongside other PPP leaders at the CM Secretariat.—PPI
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QUETTA: The provincial leadership of PPP has strongly condemned the remarks of BNP leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal against their party and expressed support for the Balochistan chief minister.
The PPP leaders said their party’s government in the province was determined to utilise all available resources to eliminate terrorism and maintain peace.
Speaking at a joint press conference along with the Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind on Thursday, provincial ministers Mir Sadiq Umrani, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Ali Madad Jattak, and Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola and other PPP leaders expressed their firm support for CM Sarfraz Bugti’s developmental efforts.
They reaffirmed the PPP’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and upholding democratic values.
They claimed CM Bugti was “working tirelessly” for the province’s development and that the PPP has never engaged in cowardly politics.
“We have always made sacrifices for the strengthening of democracy and never ran away.”
“PPP has always fought against terrorism and continues to do so,” Mr Umrani said.
He also challenged Mr Mengal to contest an election against the PPP, claiming the party could win from Mr Mengal’s constituency.
Mr Umrani criticised Sardar Mengal’s statements during the ongoing protest in Luckpass, calling it “baseless and highly inappropriate”.
He said the legacy of PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto should not be disrespected.
“Akhtar Mengal should refrain from using such language in future protests,” Mr Umrani warned.
He also claimed that despite holding multiple government positions in past governments, Mr Mengal failed to deliver any real development, even in his hometown of Wadh.
Mr Kakar, the provincial minister for health, accused the BNP of “exploiting the name of a Baloch woman to preserve its political image”.
He also condemned Mr Mengal’s statement, calling it “unacceptable and unworthy of serious political discourse”.
Ex-PM Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for Pakistan as these matters are above petty politics, Mr Kakar.
He added that the government “will not be blackmailed by such tactics”.
“We reject these statements and the language used against our leadership.”
He said Mr Mengal was “rattled” because his political standing is “collapsing”.
The PPP ministers and provincial leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Balochistan’s peace, progress, and political integrity.
They vowed to “expose and resist those they accuse of exploiting the province for political gain”.
The PPP representatives reiterated that backdoor negotiations were ongoing to peacefully resolve BNP’s sit-in at Luckpass.
The government remained focused on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Balochistan, the PPP leaders said.
Mr Mengal has been holding a sit-in for over 10 days to seek the release of BYC leader Mahrang Baloch and other female activists arrested by the police.
He rejected government proposals to end the protest and provide an alternative location in Quetta for the demonstration.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1903421/balochistan-politicians-chide-mengal-over-his-criticism-of-ppp
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India
BJP to carry out nationwide ‘Waqf Reform and Public Awareness Campaign’ from April 20 to May 5
April 10, 2025 07:31 pm IST - NEW DELHI:
Devesh K PandeyDevesh K. Pandey
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will carry out a nationwide campaign from April 20 to May 5 to spread awareness about the benefits of the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, particularly among the Muslims.
The “Waqf Sudhar Janjagaran Abhyan (Waqf Reform and Public Awareness Campaign)” will be organised as directed by party chief J.P. Nadda. A team headed by the party’s national general secretary Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, and comprising national secretaries, Anil Antony and Arvind Menon, and Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui, will coordinate the campaign.
What the Waqf Bill means for madrassas and Muslim education | Explained
Through a circular, BJP national general secretary and headquarter in-charge Arjun Singh said the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Muslim Waqf (Repeal) Bill brought by the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a healthy and comprehensive discussion in both the Houses of Parliament was historic and there was an atmosphere of happiness in the country.
‘Boost transparency’
He said the Prime Minister saw the move as a consequence of the collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. “This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity. This especially protects and will benefit the interest of Muslim women, poor Muslims, and Pasmanda Muslims. The legislation passed by Parliament will boost transparency and also safeguard people’s rights,” said Mr. Singh.
New law breaches SC’s own pronouncement that ‘once a waqf, always a waqf’
At the State level, town halls will be held at key locations and among those invited will be clergies, doctors, artists, lawyers, academicians, women activists, media personalities, and social media influencers from the Muslim and other communities, apart from town halls for women, with influential women leaders, in State capitals. Meetings will also be organised with the members of Christian community.
“Every MP and MLA should conduct at least one interactive meeting in his constituency,” said the circular, adding that at the district level, interactions involving influential members from the Muslim community and press conferences with presentation would be held. The party’s youth wing will also hold interactive programmes for the young members of society.
At the sub-district level, door-to-door campaign at important locations and outreach programmes for Muslim women will be undertaken. Besides, digital campaign using graphics, testimonials, vox-pop videos will be carried out in every district. While a national workshop on the issue will be held on April 10, State and district level workshops are expected to be organised between April 15-17 and on April 18/19.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bjp-to-carry-out-nationwide-waqf-reform-and-public-awareness-campaign-from-april-20-to-may-5/article69435142.ece
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India raises infiltration attempts, ceasefire violations at flag meeting with Pakistan
by Arun Sharma
April 11, 2025
India and Pakistan Thursday had a “Brigade Commander level flag meeting” in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district to discuss border management and measures to ease tensions at the Line of Control, security sources said.
The meeting took place at Chakkan Da Bagh meeting point along the LoC, and is the second such meeting this year. This comes following several reports of cross border infiltration attempts and IED explosions on the Indian side.
While Army PRO Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said flag meetings were a routine part of the border management process, security sources claimed that the Indian side flagged its protest over recent infiltration attempts, ceasefire violations, and IED explosions.
In the first meeting held on February 21, the two sides had reportedly agreed to maintain the sanctity of the LoC and also the ceasefire agreement reached between two countries on February 25, 2021.
However, the Pakistani Army had violated the ceasefire by resorting to “unprovoked firing” after a landmine explosion along the Line of Control in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district on April 1. In a statement issued eventually, the Army claimed that “a mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati Sector due to Pakistan Army intrusion across LoC” but eventually revised it to skip the intrusion part, stating only that a “mine blast occurred in Krishna Ghati sector while the Pakistan Army was patrolling along the LoC”.
The statement also claimed that the Indian troops had responded effectively in a “controlled and calibrated manner” to the “unprovoked firing”.
This exchange came just over a fortnight after an Indian soldier was wounded in firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri on March 12. According to sources, the injured soldier was deployed at a forward post in the Kalsian area in Nowshera’s Rajouri district.
The same day, an explosion also occurred along the LoC, but no casualties were reported.
On February 11, two Indian soldiers — including an Army captain — were killed in an IED explosion reportedly planted by militants along the LoC in Akhnoor sector. Days before that, there had been incidents of sniping at Indian soldiers from across the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-raises-infiltration-attempts-ceasefire-violations-at-flag-meeting-with-pakistan-9937367/
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Tahawwur Rana’s extradition possible due to institutional initiatives started during UPA: Congress
April 10, 2025
As Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana was extradited from the United States to India, Congress on Thursday criticised the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the extradition was the result of “mature, consistent, and strategic diplomacy” initiated under the UPA government, not a breakthrough achieved by the current administration.
Congress leader and former Home Minister P Chidambaram expressed his satisfaction over Rana’s extradition but emphasised the importance of understanding the full history behind the process.
He argued that while the Modi government sought to take credit for the development, the truth was far from their claims.
“I am happy that Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the prime accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited to India. However, it is crucial to tell the complete story. The extradition is the result of over a decade of hard, diligent, and strategic diplomacy that was initiated, led, and sustained by the UPA government, in coordination with the US,” said Chidambaram.
The Congress leader traced the origins of the extradition efforts back to 2009 when the UPA government, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, took a significant step by registering a case against Rana and his co-conspirator, David Coleman Headley, in New Delhi.
He noted that the first major breakthrough came that year when Canada, under the UPA’s diplomatic efforts, confirmed intelligence cooperation with India.
Rana was arrested by the FBI in Chicago in 2009 for his role in plotting a failed terror attack in Copenhagen, but a US court acquitted him of direct involvement in the 26/11 attacks in 2011, convicting him instead for his role in other terror plots.
Despite the setback, Chidambaram emphasised that the UPA government consistently worked on the issue through institutional diplomacy and legal channels, maintaining pressure on the US for Rana’s extradition.
He highlighted that in 2011, a three-member NIA team visited the US to question Headley, and under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), the US provided crucial evidence to India, which was included in the NIA’s chargesheet filed later that year.
He added that non-bailable warrants were issued against Rana, and Interpol red notices were put in place.
“In 2012, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai made strong representations to US officials, urging them to expedite Rana and Headley’s extradition. This diplomatic pressure continued, with India’s Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, raising the issue repeatedly. This is an example of handling sensitive international matters with measured diplomacy, not grandstanding,” he said.
Chidambaram further pointed out that even after the 2014 change in government, the process set in motion by the UPA remained active.
He noted that in 2015, Headley offered to become a government witness, and in 2016, a Mumbai court granted him clemency to strengthen the case against other terror operatives.
By 2018, an NIA team had gone to the US to clear legal obstacles regarding Rana’s extradition, and in 2019, it was revealed that Rana would complete his sentence in the US by 2023.
He criticised Prime Minister Modi’s attempt to claim credit for the extradition, particularly after Rana’s release on health grounds in June 2020.
“When Rana was released on health grounds in June 2020, the Indian government immediately sought his extradition. The Biden administration supported India’s request, and in May 2023, a US court upheld it. Rana filed several petitions against the extradition, all of which were rejected, including one in the US Supreme Court,” Chidambaram added.
In February 2025, following the change in US administration, both President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi sought to take credit for the extradition. However, Chidambaram clarified that this achievement was the result of years of diplomatic effort started during the UPA government.
“By 17 February, Indian authorities had confirmed that Rana had been involved in the 26/11 conspiracy since 2005, working closely with Lashkar-e-Taiba and the ISI. Finally, on 8 April 2025, US authorities handed Rana over to Indian agencies, and he arrived in New Delhi on 10 April,” Chidambaram added.
The Congress leader concluded by asserting that the Modi government had neither initiated the extradition process nor achieved any new breakthroughs.
Instead, the extradition was a result of the diplomatic groundwork laid by the UPA.
“Let the facts be clear: The Modi government neither initiated this process nor secured any new breakthroughs. It has only leveraged the institutional framework built by the UPA, demonstrating that when India acts with seriousness, international cooperation can bring even the world’s most sophisticated criminals to justice,” Chidambaram concluded. — IANS
Source: muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/tahawwur-ranas-extradition-possible-due-to-institutional-initiatives-started-during-upa-congress/
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Protest against Waqf Act will continue, says Congress MLA Arif Masood
April 11, 2025
Congress MLA Arif Masood, who organised a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Bhopal on Thursday, reiterated that the Muslim community will never accept this newly enacted law and the protests against it will continue.
Addressing a large gathering of the people from the Muslim community, Masood, who is MLA from Bhopal Madhya assembly seat, said, “All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has always opposed the Waqf Act and will continue to oppose at each level.”
He further alleged that this law was brought not to protect Waqf, reiterating that the BJP-led government has imposed the Waqf (Amendment) Act forcefully on the Muslim community.
“Protest against this law will continue until the Centre withdraws it,” he claimed.
Notably, after the Waqf (Ammendment) Bill-2025 was passed in both the Houses of the Parliament, President Draupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to it, becoming an Act, which came into effect from April 8.
Over 12 petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the Supreme Court (SC) to challenge the validity of the new law.
The petitioners have submitted that the provisions of the law discriminated against Muslims by imposing restrictions which were not part of the governance of other religious endowments.
The SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna is scheduled to hear the matter on April 16.
The Centre has already filed a caveat in the apex court to ensure no order is passed without hearing it first.
Responding to Aarif Masood’s statement, BJP MLA and Minister, Wiswas Sarang, said that the large Muslim population has welcomed the Waqf Act.
He said only some Muslim leaders, who have illegally encroached Waqf properties, are opposing it for their personal gain. — IANS
Source: muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/protest-against-waqf-act-will-continue-says-congress-mla-arif-masood/
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BJP-led Waqf Board, Omar government at odds on Act in J&K
Fayaz Wani
11 Apr 2025
SRINAGAR: In Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K Waqf Board led by a BJP leader, is at odds with the elected Omar Abdullah government over the Waqf Amendment Act. While the Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi hailed it as a significant improvement for Waqf institutions, the ruling NC denounced the Act, claiming that it targets a specific religion.
Andrabi, a senior BJP leader, said, “The Act will significantly improve Waqf institutions by introducing greater transparency and accountability.”
She said the Bill has already received the President’s assent and is being implemented across the country, including J&K. On opposition parties moving the Supreme Court to challenge the Act, Andrabi said, “They can move the apex court if they want, but these amendments were necessary for our country. It will lead to the development of Waqf Boards, and there will also be accountability”.
The stand of the J&K Waqf Board chairperson is in stark contrast to that of the Omar Abdullah government.
A senior NC leader said that after 2019 (the abrogation of Article 370), many central laws were imposed in J&K, and now the J&K Waqf Board is not under the J&K government’s purview but under the control of the central government.
“You have seen after being elected, the Omar Abdullah government did not change the J&K Waqf Board chairperson because it does not fall in its jurisdiction,” he said.
As per CM Omar Abdullah, the Waqf Amendment Act has hurt the sentiments of the majority of the people in J&K. “There is a widespread feeling that the government is interfering in religious matters, particularly those concerning the Muslim community. There was no need for the Waqf Amendment Act, and only one religion was being targeted,” he said.
He said non-Muslims are being allowed to review the Waqf activities and questioned, “Will you allow Muslims to manage the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine or Amarnath Shrine Board? Will you accept non-Sikh members in the Shri Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee?”
The standoff over the issue paralysed the Assembly’s functioning for three straight days.
‘A much-needed move for transparency’
J&K Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi said the Bill has already received the President’s assent and is being implemented across the country, including J&K. On opposition parties moving the SC to challenge the Act, Andrabi said, “They can move the apex court if they want, but these amendments were necessary for our country.”
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/11/bjp-led-waqf-board-omar-government-at-odds-on-act-in-jk
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Two J&K govt employees sacked for 'terror links'
Apr 11, 2025
NEW DELHI: Services of two J&K govt employees were terminated by LG Manoj Sinha Thursday over alleged terror links, taking the total number of such dismissals in the UT to 70.
Senior assistant in J&K PWD Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik and assistant wireless operator in J&K Police Basharat Ahmad Mir were sacked by invoking Article 311(2)(c ) of the Constitution on grounds that included trying to create a network of terrorist sympathisers & overground workers, leaking sensitive information on the movement of security forces, & aiding transport of arms and ammunition for use in terror attacks in J&K.
Malik, shortly after being appointed to govt service in 2000, had started hobnobbing with Jamat-e-Islami and Hizbul Mujahideen, sources in J&K govt said. "During interrogation he admitted to have played a key role in organising mobs for street violence, arson and hartals after the killing of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani," the source told TOI. Mir, who was appointed as a police constable operator in 2010, was in touch with Pakistani intelligence operatives and was leaking critical information.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-jk-govt-employees-sacked-for-terror-links/articleshow/120182585.cms
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MLA from Manipur moves Supreme Court challenging amendments to Waqf Act, calls tweaks biased
11.04.25
An NPP MLA from Manipur on Thursday moved the Supreme Court challenging the amendments to the Waqf Act, calling it discriminatory and one that singled out Muslims when no such restrictions were imposed on other communities for bequeathing their property through will or gift deeds.
Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan has filed the petition against the backdrop of the protests in Manipur over the amendments. The Muslim-majority areas of Thoubal have been tense since Sunday night after a 7,000-plus mob torched the residence of state BJP Minority Morcha president Md Akser Ali for supporting the changes to the Act.
“Be it any temple or any other religious endowment, the administration of such institutions shall be left to the people from the faith to maintain sanctity and to ensure that such institutions function as per their faith-specific laws,” the petition filed through advocate-on-record Abdulla Naseeh VT said.
“However, the impugned Act’s imposition of non-Muslims and officers on waqf governance singles out Muslims, violating equality under Article 14, equality and religious autonomy under Article 26, setting a dangerous precedent for other faiths,” the petition added.
It argued: “When wills and gifts, granting exclusive rights to one against all others, are perfectly valid and protected by the law, the executor of Waqfalal-aulad (similar will or gift by a Muslim) has been barred from exercising his exclusivity, thereby making that despite an existence of Waqfalal-aulad, the law of inheritance will apply across the property.”
According to Hassan, the determination of a property as a waqf property is now in the exclusive domain of the government and the moment a dispute crops up, the government can appoint its designated officer to determine its character. In effect, the government is the “judge, jury and executioner”.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/mla-from-manipur-moves-supreme-court-challenging-amendments-to-waqf-act-calls-tweaks-biased-prnt/cid/2093483
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Muslims protest Waqf Bill in Bhopal
April 10, 2025
Thousands of Muslims staged a peaceful protest against the Waqf Bill at the Central Library Grounds in Bhopal on Thursday.
The protest was held under the banner of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
Addressing the protesters, Congress MLA from Bhopal Arif Masood announced that they would not accept the Waqf Bill. He alleged that the motive of the Union government behind amending the Waqf Bill is to take control over the Waqf Board’s properties. Masood charged that the Waqf Board will not benefit in any way through the new Bill.
He asserted that the protesters would also move the Supreme Court in this regard.
BJP leaders, on the other hand, countered that the protest is driven purely by selfish interests.
MP Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang said only those people are protesting the Bill who have encroached upon the Waqf land and properties for years.
He asserted that the new law is in favour of the poorest and needy Muslims, and now they will benefit the most.
Source: thestatesman.com
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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/muslims-protest-waqf-bill-in-bhopal-1503418740.html
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‘More Muslim than…’: Expelled BJP MLA Yatnal booked for ‘provocative’ speech on Rama Navami
Apr 10, 2025
Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who was expelled from the BJP has landed in fresh controversy after being booked by the Karnataka police for allegedly inciting communal tension with his remarks against Prophet Mohammed. The complaint was filed by Mohammed Hannan after Yatnal's speech during a Rama Navami celebration on April 7, where he made provocative statements targeting Muslims and accused some Hindus of pretending to be “more Muslim than Muslims themselves.”
The FIR includes sections related to promoting enmity between different religious groups, offending religious sentiments, and spreading misinformation.
Yatnal, who was recently expelled from the BJP for six years due to what the party described as repeated indiscipline, used the event to lash out not just at religious communities but also at political rivals. He criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and took aim at his own former party’s leadership, accusing them of hypocrisy and favouritism.
“Prime Minister Modi talks about fighting corruption and dynasty politics, but how is B.Y. Vijayendra still in the party despite several allegations against him?” Yatnal questioned. He accused Vijayendra, the son of veteran BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa, of involvement in various scandals, including the PSI recruitment scam and a commission-related controversy. He warned that continued dominance of the BJP by the Yediyurappa family could alienate voters and hurt the party in future elections.
Yatnal also expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP's approach to protecting Hindu interests in Karnataka. According to him, a growing section of the Hindu community feels neglected and is looking for political alternatives.
Yatnal likely to start his own party
Amid speculation, Yatnal revealed that he is considering launching a new political outfit focused on representing Hindu voices. He claimed that several supporters have urged him to start a "Hindu party" and suggested that a final decision on its formation may be taken by Vijayadashami later this year.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/more-muslim-than-expelled-bjp-mla-yatnal-booked-for-provocative-speech-on-rama-navami-101744270457565.html
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Africa
Ekiti appeals to Muslim leaders over demolished mosque
11th April 2025
Abiodun Nejo
The Ekiti State Government has met with Muslim leaders, under the aegis of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, to calm frayed nerves over the demolition of a mosque at Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area.
The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, said information at her disposal revealed that another plot of land had been allotted to the Muslim community by Alara-in-Council, led by the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Olu Adeyemi, for the mosque demolished.
A statement by the deputy governor’s Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, stated that Afuye, at the meeting, affirmed that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration stood for religious harmony.
The mosque in contention was allegedly demolished for the construction of an ultra-modern market, as part of the constituency projects of the Senate Leader and senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, in the community.
Afuye, who said the modern market was conceptualised by Bamidele, to advance the development of Aramoko Ekiti, where Muslims, as an integral part, would benefit immensely, added that allotment of a plot of land for the rebuilding process was a signal that the community held Muslims in high esteem.
She said, “Whatever might be your grievances, I want you to calm down. We will convene a meeting soon to speak with all the stakeholders.
“I am even happy that the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti is a Muslim leader. He can’t be in a place where you will be cheated. This government can’t treat Muslims with contempt.
“You have always been supporting us, and the Senate Leader, too is a man of the people. He doesn’t want a religious crisis. He has demonstrated this with the ways he has been interacting with people across religious lines.”
The deputy governor assured the Muslim leaders that the government would ensure they got justice.
“I am assuring you that we will get to the root of this matter and with your claims that the mosque was actually demolished and you had been offered another land to rebuild it, we will ensure you get justice,” she said.
The SCIA President, Dr Hameed Bakare, who commended the government for its swift action and mediation, sought an expeditious and amicable resolution of the matter.
Bakare said, “Muslims in Ekiti State are not hooligans and extremists. We are for peace always.
“We want this matter resolved timely, and we believe in the leadership of Governor Oyebanji that he won’t allow this matter to fester.
“I plead with our people to be patient and allow the government to intervene and resolve it amicably.
“We have nothing to gain in a crisis. Even if we are cheated, the government can still make a position that will pacify us.”
The Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Bamigbola, said two mosques had allegedly been demolished in Aramoko Ekiti within a spate of six months, to give way for development without commensurate efforts to rebuild them.
The Imam, who said that Muslims appreciated Bamidele’s efforts to develop the community, stressed that he must stick to his promise to build another mosque.
He said, “What we want is for the mosque to be rebuilt for us and at a location that will be acceptable to us.
“We know the government can facilitate this for us to keep the tempo of religious peace we are enjoying in our dear state.”
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/ekiti-appeals-to-muslim-leaders-over-demolished-mosque/
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‘Tinubu Government Reduces Career Diplomats In Ambassadorial Nominee List’
April 11, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The President Bola Tinubu-led government has reportedly deviated from the traditional 70/30 percentage ratio for ambassadorial nominees, reducing the number of career diplomats in favor of political appointees.
A diplomatic source, who spoke with The Sun anonymously, expressed concerns over the development, which they argued could result in inadequate representation for Nigeria on the global stage.
Naija News reports that the source explained that the customary ratio, which allocates 70% of ambassadorial positions to career diplomats and 30% to political appointees, has now been altered.
The source said, “And that they have reduced even the number or the percentage for career diplomats which is very sad. They said they reduced the percentage for career diplomats.
“You know the rule says 30 percent political and 70 percent career. But they have been depleting it and from what I am hearing, they are depleting it even further, which is sad.”
Asked what it portended for the country, the source said, “It means that there will be more non-career ambassadors than career.”
While some non-career diplomats may have the potential to adjust quickly to diplomatic duties, the source highlighted that the change appears to be politically motivated, stating, “there are some non-career that can pick up the diplomatic vibe quickly and deliver.
“This is just jobs for the boys. The career expectation of career diplomats is just being jettisoned for political interests.”
Several high-profile political figures, including former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), former senator Shehu Sani, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, have been reported as part of the list of nominees undergoing security screening.
However, sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not independently verify the full list or confirm the status of these individuals.
While the Ministry has acknowledged that there has been significant speculation about the balance between career diplomats and political nominees, they have maintained that the list is still being reviewed.
The final list will be presented to President Tinubu, who will forward it to the National Assembly for confirmation.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/11/tinubu-government-reduces-career-diplomats-in-ambassadorial-nominee-list/
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Insecurity: Idris Involving Himself In Trivial Matters To Gain Cheap Popularity – Lawmaker
April 10, 2025
By Justina Otio
The lawmaker representing Borno Central under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kaka Shehu Lawan, has advised the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to stop politicizing the issue of insecurity in the country.
He stated this amidst concerns raised by the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, over the worsening security situation in the state, highlighting that Borno “seems to be losing ground to Boko Haram insurgents.”
Responding, the Minister issued a statement on Wednesday insisting that the federal government remains committed to tackling terrorism and banditry nationwide.
However, speaking via a statement on Thursday, Lawan accused Idris of politicizing the security crisis instead of following in the footsteps of past ministers who focused on enhancing the image of the federal government
He said, “Instead of promoting the policies and programmes of the present administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I was shocked that the Minister chose to politicize the lingering insecurity and Boko Haram crisis that is bedeviling the people of Borno and the North East sub-region.”
Lawan also expressed disappointment over Idris’s remarks regarding Governor Zulum’s role, labeling them as “unfortunate and disrespectful.”
He emphasized that the Minister, sitting in Abuja, should not undermine the position of the Governor, who is directly involved with local security developments and has been receiving briefings from security agencies and traditional rulers.
Lawan further pointed out Governor Zulum’s consistent efforts to complement federal initiatives in combating insurgency, including a recent distribution of operational vehicles, motorcycles, and houses to security forces.
“It is disheartening to note that instead of the Minister focusing on his co-mandate of projecting the federal government in a positive light, he is involving himself in trivial matters to gain cheap popularity,” said Lawan.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/10/insecurity-idris-involving-himself-in-trivial-matters-to-gain-cheap-popularity-lawmaker/
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Mideast
Turkish and Israeli move to head off Syria crisis Talks to prevent armed clashes
April 10, 2025
ISTANBUL: Turkiye and Israel have held crisis talks aimed at preventing conflict between their armed forces in the Syrian Arab Republic, officials from both countries said on Thursday.
The first discussions took place in Azerbaijan to establish a “de-escalation mechanism to prevent undesirable incidents in Syria,” the Turkish Defense Ministry said. “Work will continue to establish the conflict-free mechanism.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said both sides had “agreed to continue on the path of dialogue in order to preserve security stability.”
Since dictator Bashar Assad’s regime was ousted by Syrian opposition forces last year, Israel has launched a wave of airstrikes on military targets there, and sent troops into parts of southern Syria beyond the Golan Heights, which it already occupies.
Among the Israeli targets were at least three air bases that had been inspected by Turkish military teams with a view to deploying forces as part of a planned joint defense pact with Damascus. Ankara supports the new Syrian government, which is led by groups Turkiye backed during the 13-year civil war. The support includes counterterrorism operations against Daesh.
Turkiye’s emergence as a key player in Syria has prompted Israeli concerns over a larger Turkish military presence. Netanyahu said Turkish bases in Syria would be a “danger to Israel.”
The Turkish Defense Ministry said assessments for the establishment of a base for joint Turkish-Syrian training were ongoing, and such activities followed international law “without targeting third countries.”
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkiye had “no intention of conflict in Syria, not only with Israel but with any country in the region.” But he said Ankara could not “watch Syria being subjected to internal turmoil, an operation, a provocation that will threaten Turkey’s national security.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2596603/middle-east
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Syria Kurds say struck deal with Damascus on battleground dam
April 10, 2025
BEIRUT: The Kurdish authorities in northeastern Syria have struck a deal with the central government on running a key dam they captured from extremists with US support, a Kurdish source said Thursday.
“An agreement has been reached between the autonomous administration and the Syrian government for the management of the Tishrin Dam” on the Euphrates River, the source told AFP.
Under the agreement, Kurdish-led fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces will pull back from the dam which they captured from the Daesh group in late 2015, the source said.
Fighters loyal to the new Islamist-led government in Damascus established after the December overthrow of longtime strongman Bashar Assad will take over security and a joint administration will run the dam.
The dam is one of several on the Euphrates and its tributaries in Syria that play a key role in the nation’s economy by providing it with water for irrigation and hydro-electric power.
It was a key battleground in the civil war that broke out in 2011, falling first to rebels and then to IS before being captured by the SDF.
Days after Assad’s overthrow, it was targeted by Turkish drone strikes that killed dozens of civilians, Kurdish officials and Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The Kurdish source said the dam deal was the latest step in implementing a March agreement with Damascus to integrate the institutions of the autonomous Kurdish administration into those of the central government.
The deal already saw Kurdish fighters withdraw from two Kurdish-majority neighborhoods of the main northern city of Aleppo earlier this month.
It has also seen a reduction in the presence of pro-Turkiye fighters in the historically Kurdish-majority northwestern region of Afrin.
There was no immediate word from the Damascus government on the dam deal.
The Observatory said the new joint committee would supervise the necessary repairs to the dam.
It said some Kurdish security agents would take part in the new security teams for the dam, alongside agents of the central government.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2596590/middle-east
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Kurds to push for federal system in post-Assad Syria
April 10, 2025
QAMISHLI: Syrian Kurds are set to demand a federal system in post-Assad Syria that would allow regional autonomy and security forces, a senior Kurdish official told Reuters, doubling down on a decentralized vision opposed by the interim president.
The demand for federal rule has gathered momentum as alarm spread through Syria’s minorities over last month’s mass killings of Alawites, while Kurdish groups have accused interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and his Islamist group of setting the wrong course for the new Syria and monopolising power.
Rival Syrian Kurdish parties, including the dominant faction in the Kurdish-run northeast, agreed on a common political vision — including federalism — last month, Kurdish sources said. They have yet to officially unveil it. Kurdish-led groups took control of roughly a quarter of Syrian territory during the 14-year civil war. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the US, last month signed a deal with Damascus on merging Kurdish-led governing bodies and security forces with the central government.
While committed to that deal, Kurdish officials have objected to the way Syria’s governing Islamists are shaping the transition from Bashar Assad’s rule, saying they are failing to respect Syria’s diversity despite promises of inclusivity.
Badran Jia Kurd, a senior official in the Kurdish-led administration, told Reuters that all Kurdish factions had agreed on a “common political vision” which emphasizes the need for “a federal, pluralistic, democratic parliamentary system.”
His written statements in response to questions from Reuters mark the first time an official from the Kurdish-led administration has confirmed the federalism goal since the Kurdish parties agreed on it last month.
The Kurdish-led administration has for years steered clear of the word “federalism” in describing its goals, instead calling for decentralization. Syria’s Kurds say their goal is autonomy within Syria — not independence.
Sharaa has declared his opposition to a federal system, telling The Economist in January that it does not have popular acceptance and is not in Syria’s best interests.
The Kurds, mainly Sunni Muslims, speak a language related to Farsi and live mostly in a mountainous region straddling the borders of Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkiye. In Iraq, they have their own parliament, government and security forces.
Jia Kurd said the fundamental issue for Syria was “to preserve the administrative, political, and cultural specificity of each region” which would require “local legislative councils within the region, executive bodies to manage the region’s affairs, and internal security forces affiliated with them.”
This should be set out in Syria’s constitutional framework, he added.
Neighbouring Turkiye, an ally of Sharaa, sees Syria’s main Kurdish group, the Democratic Union Party, and its affiliates as a security threat because of their links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which, until a recently declared ceasefire, fought a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.
Last month’s meeting brought the PYD together with the Kurdish National Council (ENKS), a rival Syrian Kurdish group established with backing from one of Iraq’s main Kurdish parties, the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) led by the Barzani family. The KDP has good ties with Turkiye.
ENKS leader Suleiman Oso said he expected the joint Kurdish vision to be announced at a conference by the end of April. He said developments in Syria since Assad’s ouster in December had led many Syrians to see the federal system as the “optimal solution.” He cited attacks on Alawites, resistance to central rule within the Druze minority, and the new government’s constitutional declaration, which the Kurdish-led administration said was at odds with Syria’s diversity.
Hundreds of Alawites were killed in western Syria in March in revenge attacks which began after Islamist-led authorities said their security forces came under attack by militants loyal to Assad, an Alawite. Sharaa, an Al-Qaeda leader before he cut ties to the group in 2016, has said those responsible will be punished, including his own allies if necessary. The constitutional declaration gave him broad powers, enshrined Islamic law as the main source of legislation, and declared Arabic as Syria’s official language, with no mention of Kurdish.
“We believe that the optimal solution to preserve Syria’s unity is a federal system, as Syria is a country of multiple ethnicities, religions, and sects,” said Oso.
“When we go to Damascus, we will certainly present our views and demands.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2596567/middle-east
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Migrant killed in clash at makeshift camp in Tunisia
April 10, 2025
Tunis: A man from Guinea died after migrants clashed at a makeshift camp in northern Tunisia, a parliamentarian who visited the site and the National Guard said on Thursday.
Tarak Mahdi, the MP for Sfax, around 30 km from camps set up in olive groves, said the violence began on Tuesday and that “dozens were wounded” by “machetes and knives.”
Mahdi said the violence erupted between two groups, one from Guinea and the other from the Ivory Coast, after a Champions League football match.
National Guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli said the dead man had been hit in the head by a stone and that six people have been arrested.
The clashes followed a significant security sweep last week to clear olive groves around El Amra, a town south of Tunis, where thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa had set up home a few kilometers from the coast.
Tensions between residents and migrants have been rising in Tunisia.
Tempers flared in 2023 after President Kais Saied said that “hordes of sub-Saharan migrants” threatened to change the North African country’s demographics.
On March 25, Saied called on the International Organization for Migration to accelerate voluntary returns for irregular migrants to their home countries.
Tunisia has, in recent years, become a key departure point for migrants making the perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing in hopes of reaching Europe.
People staged two protest rallies on Wednesday against what they say is the authoritarian rule of President Kais Saied and demanded the release of political prisoners, while six detained opposition figures held a hunger strike.
The rallies highlight the opposition’s growing concerns about what it sees as Saied’s muzzling of dissent and efforts to establish one-man rule, accusations he denies.
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Amputees in Gaza face life in war zone with little hope
April 10, 2025
CAIRO/GAZA: Farah Abu Qainas hoped to become a teacher, but an Israeli airstrike last year injured her so severely she lost her left leg, throwing all her plans into doubt and adding the 21-year-old to a list of thousands of new amputees in devastated Gaza.
Still living in a temporary shelter, Abu Qainas attends physiotherapy sessions at a prosthetics center in the territory where she waits in a wheelchair for an artificial limb that could allow her some freedom again.
“That day, I lost more than just my leg. My dreams vanished,” she said.
“I longed to attend university and teach children. But this injury has stolen that future.”
The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants carried out a cross-border attack on Israeli communities.
Israel’s military campaign has since killed more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health authorities say, and left most of the tiny, crowded coastal territory in ruins and nearly all its people homeless.
Many thousands more have suffered injuries that will change their lives for decades to come.
However, amid a conflict that has left the medical system barely able to function, estimates for how many Palestinians have lost limbs vary.
“Across Gaza, it is estimated that 4,500 new amputees require prosthetics, in addition to the 2,000 existing cases requiring maintenance and follow-up care,” the UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported last month.
Ahmed Mousa, who runs the physical rehabilitation program in Gaza for the International Committee of the Red Cross, said at least 3,000 people had been registered in their program, of whom 1,800 have amputations.
Many thousands more Palestinians have suffered spinal injuries or lost their sight or hearing, according to OCHA and the ICRC.
The large number of injuries has slowed and complicated efforts to provide treatment.
ICRC officials said that getting artificial limbs into the Gaza Strip has been challenging.
“Accessing proper prosthetics or mobility aids is increasingly challenging in Gaza right now, and unfortunately, there is no clear timeline for many,” said Mousa.
Israel suspended all humanitarian aid to Gaza after the collapse of a two-month-old ceasefire last month.
Abu Qainas, who attends Mousa’s therapy program, said she does not know when she might get an artificial leg or treatment abroad.
“They told me to wait, but I don’t know if it’s going to happen anytime soon,” she said.
Israel’s military has said its bombardment of Gaza is necessary to crush Hamas, which it accuses of hiding among the general Palestinian population. Hamas denies this. Israel says it tries to reduce harm to civilians.
Children have not escaped the carnage.
An April study by the Palestinian Bureau of Statistics said at least 7,000 children have been injured since October 2023, with hundreds losing limbs, sight, or hearing.
She said seven-year-old Shaza Hamdan had wanted to learn to ride a bike.
“My father asked (me) to join him for a walk, before shells began falling on us like rain. One hit my leg and cut it off, and another hit my father’s arm,” she said.
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Syria, South Korea establish diplomatic ties, open embassies
April 10, 2025
LONDON: The Syrian Arab Republic and South Korea established diplomatic relations on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in foreign policy for both republics.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani signed an agreement with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, in Damascus to establish diplomatic relations. A high-level South Korean delegation met Syria’s President Ahmad Al-Sharaa at the People’s Palace in the Syrian capital.
The agreement would initiate friendship and cooperation between Syria and Korea, opening embassies and exchanging diplomatic missions between the two countries, the SANA agency reported.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the move was aimed at restoring the country’s international standing, which had weakened due to the policies of the former Assad regime.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “This development opens a new chapter of cooperation with Syria, whose bilateral relations with South Korea had been severed due to its close ties with North Korea.”
Syria was the only UN member without diplomatic ties to South Korea, which gained independence in 1948. It is now the 191st country to establish official relations with Seoul.
The Assad regime, which collapsed in December 2024, had built close ties with Seoul’s neighboring foe, North Korea, which provided it with military assistance during the Cold War.
Three non-UN members, the South Pacific island nations of the Cook Islands and Niue, and the Holy See, have not yet established ties with Seoul.
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Israel says air force to fire pilots who signed Gaza war petition
April 10, 2025
JERUSALEM: An Israeli military official said Thursday that reserve pilots who publicly called for securing the release of hostages, even at the cost of ending the Gaza war, would be dismissed from the air force.
“With the full backing of the chief of the General Staff, the commander of the IAF (Israeli air force) has decided that any active reservist who signed the letter will not be able to continue serving in the IDF (military),” the official told AFP in response to a letter signed by around 1,000 reserve and retired pilots.
The letter, which was published on a full page in multiple daily newspapers, directly challenges the policy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has insisted that increased military pressure on Gaza is the only way to get Palestinian militants to release hostages seized during Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
“We, the aircrew in the reserves and retired, demand the immediate return of the hostages even at the cost of an immediate cessation of hostilities,” the letter said.
“The war serves primarily political and personal interests, not security interests,” it said, adding that the resumed offensive “will result in the deaths of the hostages, IDF soldiers and innocent civilians, and the exhaustion of the reserve service.”
“Only an agreement can return the hostages safely, while military pressure mainly leads to the killing of hostages and the endangerment of our soldiers.”
The military official said most of the signatories of the letter were not active reservists.
“Our policy is clear — the IDF stands above all political dispute. There is no room for any body or individual, including reservists in active duty, to exploit their military status while simultaneously participating in the fighting and calling for its cessation,” the official said.
Netanyahu said he supported the move to dismiss any active pilots who had signed the letter.
“Refusal is refusal — even when it is implied and expressed in euphemistic language,” a statement released by his office said.
“Statements that weaken the IDF and strengthen our enemies during wartime are unforgivable.”
Some 251 people were seized during Hamas’s attack, 58 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
A truce that lasted from January 19 to March 17 saw the return of 33 Israeli hostages — eight of them in coffins — in exchange for the release of around 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Efforts to restore the truce and release more hostages have so far failed.
The army said it was continuing its ground operations in southern Gaza and that it had “dismantled dozens of terrorist infrastructure sites and several tunnel shafts leading to underground terror networks in the area.”
The army said that a Wednesday strike in Gaza City had “eliminated” a Hamas commander from the area it alleged had participated in the October 2023 attack.
Gaza’s civil defense agency said at least 23 people, including women and children, were killed in the strike which levelled a four-story residential building.
In an update Thursday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said at least 1,522 Palestinians have been killed in the renewed Israeli offensive, taking the overall death toll since the start of the war to 50,886.
Hamas’s October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia was green corridor 8 million years ago: Saudi Heritage Commission
Lama Alhamawi
April 10, 2025
RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission unveiled new findings this week that prove the Kingdom was a vital oasis eight million years ago.
Mesfer Alqahtani, archaeology consultant at the commission, said on Wednesday: “The core findings of this study is that the Arabian Peninsula was not always a desert, it underwent repeated humid phases that supported rich biodiversity and sustained both land and marine ecosystems, making it a natural bridge for the movement of species between Africa and Asia in the ancient world.”
The SHC, in collaboration with leading local and international institutions, led a scientific mission that looked into the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes preserved in cave formations. It used a combination of dating techniques such as uranium-thorium and uranium lead analysis studies to document the longest-known record of ancient climate in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back about eight million years.
The study analyzed 22 speleothem samples extracted from seven desert caves located northeast of Riyadh near Shawayyah in Rumah governorate. The caves are locally known as Duhool Al-Samman.
Experts at the SHC underlined that these findings provide clear evidence of recurrent humid and rainy periods in the region’s past.
The study also found fossils pointing to the presence of a fertile environment.
Dr. Ajab Alotaibi, director general of the commission’s antiquities sector, said that the study highlighted the Arabian Peninsula’s crucial role as a corridor for the dispersal of organisms between Africa, Asia and Europe.
The study is part of the commission’s flagship initiative, the Green Arabia Project, which aims to explore the region’s natural and environmental history.
Michael Petralia, professor and director, Australian Research Center for Human Evolution, said: “Our archaeological work on the lakes of Arabia has now indicated that humans and early humans were in Saudi Arabia 500,000 years ago; that tells us immediately that Arabia acted as a crossroads between continents, between Africa and Asia, so this is a landscape that is very important in terms of documenting heritage, paleontology, archaeology, through time.”
The SHC-led findings have been published in the scientific journal, “Nature,” under the title “Recurrent humid phases in Arabia over the past 8 million years.”
The research brought together 30 scientists from 28 organizations — local and international — including the Heritage Commission, the Saudi Geological Survey, King Saud University, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, Griffith University in Australia, and several universities and research centers across Germany, Italy, the UK and the US.
According to the SHC, the study marks a major milestone for the Green Arabia Project, one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious efforts to promote scientific research and document the natural and cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
These findings also offer valuable insights into restoring Saudi Arabia to its original, greener state, supporting pivotal projects such as Green Riyadh and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The project seeks to better understand how environmental and climatic changes have shaped the region across eras — contributing to a richer, more complete understanding of Saudi Arabia’s natural history.
Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO of the SHC, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing research and fostering international collaborations.
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Bangladesh bringing Saudi ties to ‘new heights,’ envoy says
Rashid Hassan
April 10, 2025
RIYADH: Bangladesh is looking to seize the “momentous occasion” of 50 years of ties with Saudi Arabia to bring its relationship with the Kingdom to new heights, the country’s ambassador has said.
M. Delwar Hossain, ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, was speaking at a Bangladesh National Day reception to mark the 54th anniversary of the country’s independence.
This year also marks 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Riyadh.
“I welcome you all to the celebration of the 54th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh,” Hossain said.
“On this momentous occasion, I render homage to the valiant freedom fighters and martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the independence of the country in 1971.”
Over the years, Bangladeshis have transformed an impoverished country into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, he added.
“We now seek to make a bigger stride toward our dreams. With a vibrant private sector, a huge pool of competent workforce and a sizable domestic market, Bangladesh is now well poised to engage in deeper mutually beneficial cooperation with international partners and friends,” Hossain said.
“The government has undertaken a series of reform initiatives in key sectors to further improve overall governance and the competitiveness of the economy.”
The ambassador described relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia as “excellent,” based on mutual respect, shared values and common aspirations.
Though the state-level formal diplomatic relationship was established shortly after Bangladesh’s independence, ties between the two peoples dates back centuries, he added.
“Since then, our relationship has witnessed progressive expansion, both in depth and dimension. At the moment, our two nations are in meaningful collaboration in a wide range of areas. Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia enjoy deeper understanding and collaboration on regional and global issues of common interest. We have been working closely in the UN and other multilateral fora including the OIC,” said Hossain.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for their continued support and goodwill toward Bangladesh. We express our heartiest gratitude to the leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia for hosting about 3 million expatriate Bangladeshis,” he added.
The reception was attended by Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, undersecretary of the Riyadh Region, as well as Abdulmajeed Al-Smari, deputy minister for Protocol Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hossain said: “This year, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.”
He added: “We look forward to seizing this momentous occasion to take our relationship to new heights and make it more meaningful to the people of both countries.
“There still remains huge potential for mutually beneficial deeper collaboration in numerous areas, particularly in trade and investment, energy, human resources, IT, health, agriculture and climate.”
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AlUla joins five Saudi cities in IMD World Smart City Index 2025
April 10, 2025
RIYADH: AlUla has been included in the IMD World Smart Cities Index 2025, released by the International Institute for Management Development, alongside five other cities in Saudi Arabia: Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to the agency, this milestone underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to its Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming urban landscapes into smart cities through innovative projects led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in collaboration with various government entities. The goal is to create smart cities that elevate quality of life to the highest standards.
The IMD is globally recognized for its expertise in competitiveness and is the publisher of the World Competitiveness Yearbook, a reference for international organizations and institutions seeking insights into competitive practices.
According to the SPA, AlUla’s listing on the Smart City Index reflects the Kingdom’s ambitious vision to position the city as a leading heritage, cultural, and tourism hub. The integration of modern technologies, enhanced by artificial intelligence, aims to safeguard archaeological treasures while enriching the visitor experience. Advanced digital solutions, such as crowd management systems, smart transport services, and interactive applications are used to facilitate a seamless exploration of the city.
The IMD Smart City Index 2025 evaluates cities on diverse criteria, including residents’ perceptions of smart city initiatives, the balance of economic and technological factors with human dimensions, and the alignment between citizens’ needs and contemporary trends in urban development.
The index also highlights the significance of digital technologies in optimizing resource utilization, reducing carbon footprints, and making public spaces more attuned to the needs of residents.
In a related development, in 2023 the National Competitiveness Center and IMD formalized their collaboration through a bilateral agreement in Lausanne, Switzerland, intended to bolster Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in alignment with Vision 2030. Key figures, including Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, attended the signing ceremony, emphasizing the commitment to leverage global expertise and best practices.
The NCC reiterated its dedication to enhancing competitiveness by accessing IMD’s consulting services and educational programs. This partnership follows Saudi Arabia’s rise in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, where it climbed eight places to secure 24th position globally, a sign of significant advances in government policy and efforts at digital transformation.
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Reseda alba, an aromatic herb found across Saudi Arabia, plays vital role in fighting desertification
April 11, 2025
ARAR: Reseda alba, a flowering aromatic herb, is found naturally in several regions of Saudi Arabia and is a key part of local vegetation in the Northern Borders.
Known by its common names of white mignonette or white upright mignonette, the plant has small, white, fragrant flowers and is also cultivated as an ornamental. It blooms in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators, enhancing the ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Thriving in both sandy and clay soils, the plant is well suited to the desert climate of the Northern Borders region. It also plays a vital role in combating desertification by stabilizing the soil.
A perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter high, reseda alba is also native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It can be found in other parts of the world as an introduced species.
Nasser Al-Mujlad, chair of the Aman Environmental Association, said the expanding growth of reseda alba was a key element of the region’s natural botanical heritage.
The plant’s aesthetic appeal added significant value to the region’s tourism and environmental significance, he added.
Al-Mujlad pointed out that many plants previously at risk of extinction have made a comeback, thanks to the establishment of reserves and the implementation of new regulations and laws aimed at protecting the environment and conserving its natural resources.
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AlUla Skies Festival 2025 returns next week
April 10, 2025
RIYADH: AlUla Moments has announced the return of the “AlUla Skies Festival 2025” from April 18 to 27, featuring a variety of new experiences.
The festival highlights the area’s clear, light-pollution-free skies and AlUla’s deep, ancient connection to astronomy, as it is home to Gharameel and AlUla’s Beacon, the first designated Dark Sky locations in the Middle East, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, solidifying AlUla’s status as a global hub for astro-tourism.
The festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to stargaze in a pristine natural environment, showcasing IDA-certified locations such as Gharameel and AlUla’s Beacon.
These spots are among the first official Dark Sky Sites in the region, reinforcing AlUla’s role as a leading destination for stargazing tourism.
Visitors can head to the Gharameel Reserve to view the Milky Way in one of the clearest skies in the region. The experience also includes night walks, camping sessions and grilled dinners around campfires.
The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla’s iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment.
For more information about the AlUla Skies Festival, visitors can check the official
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Endangered species find new home in Saudi royal reserve
April 10, 2025
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has released 25 animals from endangered species into the King Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve.
The initiative, in partnership with the reserve’s development authority, is part of a broader program to breed and reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitats.
The animals — five Arabian oryx, 15 Arabian sand gazelles, two steppe eagles and three Egyptian vultures — have been released in an effort to reestablish native species in their natural environments, restore ecological balance and enhance biodiversity in Saudi Arabia’s protected areas.
Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said it was “another step toward achieving our vision for wildlife development in the Kingdom.”
He emphasized it demonstrated the center’s commitment to breeding endangered species according to international standards, enhancing biodiversity and achieving environmental sustainability targets under Saudi Vision 2030.
The program also reflects the center’s dedication to collaborating with environmental partners to achieve common goals that reflected the Kingdom’s efforts to balance economic development with the protection of natural resources. It continues the center’s work in ecosystem rehabilitation and endangered species breeding, supporting the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Green Initiative.
Qurban added the work also boosted tourism, created jobs and led to improved quality of life in local communities.
The initiatives are implemented through specialized centers considered among the world’s best in breeding and reintroduction, applying international standards and practices to ensure successful releases and ecological balance.
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Pakistan
Terror main hurdle to better ties, Kabul told
Baqir Sajjad Syed
April 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reminded Afghanistan that terrorism remains a major impediment to improving bilateral relations, amid ongoing concerns over militant sanctuaries across the border.
“We have been trying to improve relations but the major roadblock, of course, remains the security situation and the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists,” Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan told reporters at the weekly media briefing.
Mr Khan made the comments while responding to a question about the anticipated meeting of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), a forum both countries had agreed to reconvene as part of efforts to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
He declined to provide a date for the JCC meeting, saying: “We will share information once more concrete things are available.”
Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Amb Muhammad Sadiq visited Kabul last month where both sides agreed to sustain engagement on key issues including security, trade, and refugees.
One of the key understandings reportedly reached during the visit was to hold the JCC meeting before mid-April. Afghan Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi was also expected to visit Islamabad after Eid.
“Special Representative’s visit to Kabul was very successful and certain understandings have been reached in terms of the follow-up action,” Mr Khan said, noting progress in bilateral discussions.
However, tensions have remained high. Speaking at a recent seminar hosted by a think tank, Amb Sadiq warned that “all deals with Afghanistan are off if the Taliban authorities fail to address Islamabad’s” mounting concerns about terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
Mr Khan avoided commenting directly on Amb Sadiq’s statement, saying he had not seen it.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, terrorism has emerged as a growing source of strain between the two countries. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of allowing militant groups, “especially the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)” to operate from Afghan soil, intensifying cross-border attacks and undermining diplomatic efforts.
Islamabad, once hopeful that a Taliban-led Afghanistan would bring a more cooperative regional partner, has since grown wary as militant activity has surged. The lack of action against these groups has led to repeated diplomatic friction and cast a shadow over economic and security collaborations.
India’s Waqf Act
The FO also rejected India’s recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as a discriminatory move that infringes on the religious and economic rights of Indian Muslims and could deepen their marginalisation.
“About Waqf Amendment Act, we strongly believe it is an infringement over the religious and economic rights of Indian Muslims,” the FO spokesman said. “Particularly the act usurps the property rights of Muslim community, and could potentially dispossess them of a number of mosques, shrines and other holy places.”
He added that the new legislation would “certainly undermine the Muslims’ management and control of their properties endowed for different religious and charitable purposes.”
The remarks come as India’s parliament earlier this month approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is now awaiting presidential assent. The law, which governs the management of Waqf properties “Muslim religious endowments” has drawn sharp criticism from Muslim leaders and opposition lawmakers who say it threatens religious autonomy.
The legislation mandates financial audits for Waqf institutions with annual incomes exceeding 1 lakh Indian rupees, lowers the mandatory contributions to Waqf Boards from 7 per cent to 5pc, and introduces a centralised digital portal for property oversight.
It also calls for the inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in the Waqf Board management.
Critics argue that the bill amounts to an unconstitutional overreach and could pave the way for state interference in religious affairs.
“The passage of this discriminatory legislation is also reflective of the growing majoritarianism in India,” Mr Khan said. “There are serious apprehensions that it will contribute to further marginalisation of Indian Muslims.”
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NPC calls Muslims states to take unanimous actions against Israel
April 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The National Palestine Conference (NPC), Thursday, while condemning Israeli onslaught in Gaza which has been declared as genocide by the Amnesty International and experts from United Nations (UN), in a joint declaration has called on the Muslim countries to take unanimous actions against the aggressor.
The National Palestine Conference organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) highlighted the atrocities committed by Israel with the full support of the United States in Gaza, saying that Israel so far has martyred over 55,000 Palestinians, majority of them women, children and elderly, with 200,000 more injured.
The conference described the destruction of civil infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, calling the situation a genocide rather than a mere war.
The conference also declared next Friday as the “Day of the Oppressed and Detained Palestinians”. The event is expected to mobilise support for Palestine across the Muslim world, aiming to pressure governments to take a stronger stance against Israeli occupation and aggression.
The declaration also criticised the United Nations Security Council for its inaction and condemned the US for continuously vetoing resolutions aimed at addressing the Gaza crisis. The statement concluded by calling jihad an obligatory duty for all Muslims, echoing the sentiments expressed by Mufti Usmani.
Earlier, speaking at the conference the grand Mufti of Pakistan, Mufti Taqi Usmani called for more than just slogans and conferences regarding the Palestinian cause. He emphasised the need to take concrete actions to support the struggling people of Palestine. He specifically criticised Israel for its attacks on unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip and urged a boycott of Israeli products.
He called for a complete boycott of Israel and its supporters, declaring jihad to be an obligatory duty for all Muslim governments in the face of Israel’s continued aggression against Palestine. Usmani expressed his discontent with the global response to Israel’s actions, accusing both Israel and the United States of disregarding international law.
Mufti Usmani criticised the United Nations, labelling it a “toy” in the hands of Israel and the US, while also condemning the United States’ unwavering support for Israel. Despite a ceasefire agreement, he noted that bombing in Gaza has continued. He condemned the US Secretary of State’s statement, which suggested that no matter how many Muslims Israel kills, the US would not abandon its support for Israel.
“The Muslim Ummah has failed to provide sufficient support to those fighting to protect the first Qibla,” Mufti Usmani said, underscoring the necessity of jihad. He emphasised that Muslim rulers, despite their financial contributions, have not taken meaningful action. “What is the use of the armies of Muslim countries if they do not engage in jihad?” he asked.
He added that practical, human, and financial support for Palestinians is mandatory for all Muslims. He also reiterated that Pakistan has no connection with Israel and would never recognise the state. Mufti Usmani referenced the stance of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who described Israel as an “illegitimate child” and positioned Pakistan firmly against any ties with the state.
JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman,in his address, urged the Muslim world to unite in solidarity with Palestinians. He stressed the importance of sending a strong message to the world that Muslims stand with their Palestinian brothers, regardless of their country of origin.
He reinforced Mufti Usmani’s call for jihad, claiming it is not only Pakistan’s duty but the responsibility of the entire Islamic world to defend Palestine. He further emphasised that Israel’s historical violence against Prophets and its continued actions in Gaza must be condemned.
“Israel is a state terrorist. Its history is one of murder and destruction,” he said, reaffirming that Palestinian land was unjustly taken in 1948, when Palestinians owned 94 percent of the land.
Maulana also challenged claims that Palestinians gave land to Israelis, urging historical accuracy regarding the territorial occupation. He pointed out that in 1917, Jews only inhabited 2 percent of Palestine, while 98 percent was populated by Muslims. By 1947, Palestinians still controlled the majority of the land.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman also questioned Pakistan’s economic policies, criticising the country’s reliance on Western powers, particularly the US. “I curse such an economy that runs at the mercy of the Jews,” he remarked, pointing out the historical lessons of the early days of Islam when the Muslim community prevailed despite economic pressures.
He concluded by criticising the current government’s silence on Palestine, calling it a betrayal of Pakistan’s founding principles. Rehman also announced plans for a million march in Karachi to further express solidarity with the Palestinian cause and demand action from the government.
Source: brecorder.com
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Supreme Court’s CB judge points out ‘discrepancy’ in civilians’ court martial
Nasir Iqbal
April 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, a member of the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench hearing cases related to the military trial of civilians, raised concerns on Thursday over an unusual discrepancy — the possibility of a civilian facing court martial under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) merely for entering a cantonment area to visit a shopping mall, food court, residency or attend a commercial event.
“To say civilians become subject to the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952 and could be tried by the military court if nexus is established for their role that affects the discipline of the armed forces is a very dangerous proposition,” feared Justice Afghan. Every cantonment area has been notified as prohibited area, he stated, but noted that for the welfare of soldiers, shopping malls — even private residency — have been established inside such areas.
In case a civilian tried to enter a cantonment area forcibly upon declining permission to do so, he may face cases under the OSA and could be tried by a military court, observed Justice Afghan.
Headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, the seven-judge CB has taken up 38 intra-court appeals moved by the governments, Shuhada Forum Balochistan, etc, against the Oct 23, 2023 judgement.
This will be an anomalous situation since civilians trying to enter a cantonment area may not have a proper entry pass and may be denied entry by the security guards, he observed.
At this, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail recalled how he was not permitted to enter some cantonment area for not having a pass. He also recalled how civilians without entry passes face difficulty on a daily basis merely upon entering an area in Quetta where an ordnance facility exists.
To define nexus between a person and the country’s defence has a very wide connotation, observed Justice Mandokhail, also highlighting that institutions like parliament, Supreme Court, airports or railway stations also fall within the definition of prohibited areas.
Khawaja Haris Ahmed on behalf of the defence ministry, however, argued that prohibited areas are always notified by the government for having work of defence, arsenal facility, wireless or signal station etc and that these were not general areas.
Every institution has a peculiar definition but the country’s defence is always related to the armed forces, he emphasised, adding that there were certain offences which were more serious. He pointed out that there were many statutes like the NAB law where the onus to prove innocence rests with the accused.
To an observation about the jail trial or trial by civilian courts through video links, he said many offenders were so dangerous that they cannot be tried in civilian courts.
Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi reminded that there were many cantonments in Karachi but only Malir Cantt and the Creek area were prohibited for having sensitive installations. Even five or six judges live inside the Karachi cantonments which were not prohibited.
Fair trial
Justice Mandokhail observed that the composition of court martial was something that raises concerns, especially after Article 10A which asks for fair trial. Even for the trial of the members of armed forces an independent forum should be established.
The real question is whether any court could be established which does not come under the ambit of Article 175(3) of the Constitution, Justice Mandokhail observed.
The counsel said there is no denying the fact that fundamental rights like Article 9, 25 or 203 will not be available to the accused facing military trials but the Constitution has created a clear exception which was also noted by the SC’s previous larger bench.
It is for the legislature to consider this aspect, especially in view of the warfare that has become complicated and left the armed forces in a state of war even during the peace time.
The counsel said that any threat to the armed forces’ state of preparedness by any civilian committing any of the offences under the OSA inevitably has the effect of preventing or impeding them in the proper discharge of their duties.
It is for this reason that the trials of such civilians fall squarely within the ambit of the PAA in the present case relating to members of the armed forces, that has been made to ensure the proper discharge of their duties. As such, where these civilians are accused of any of the offences falling under the provisions of Section 2(1)(d), the trial conducted against them takes place in terms of PAA and therefore, covered by Article 8(3)(a) of the Constitution, the counsel said.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1903430/supreme-courts-cb-judge-points-out-discrepancy-in-civilians-court-martial
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Deported felons’ passports to be blocked: Naqvi
Iftikhar A. Khan
April 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The government will block the passports of Pakistanis deported from other countries over criminal activities, and tighten the process of issuing new travel documents, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Thursday.
The move is aimed at deterring Pakistani nationals who travel abroad and commit illegal acts, such as begging.
In recent years, hundreds of Pakistanis have been deported, mostly from the Gulf countries, over beggary.
The minister directed the officials to complete all legal formalities regarding new requirements for obtaining passports.
The new requirements will help curb illegal immigration and screen those committing illegal acts.
The minister issued the directives during a meeting at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
The Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha, FIA DG Rifat Mukhtar Raja and Passports DG Mustafa Jamal Qazi also attended the meeting.
Mr Chaudhry said the decision will “send a positive message” to the international community regarding Pakistan’s commitment to act against illegal migration.
Mr Naqvi said the directive to block the passports of deported persons should be fully implemented.
He also inspected the newly installed machines to print machine-readable passports and generate e-passports.
The minister also met German experts who were in Pakistan to install the machines.
Mr Naqvi said the new machines will enhance the printing capacity of the passport office and expedite the issuance of passports.
Mr Qazi, the passport DG, briefed the federal minister. He said a mobile app will be launched soon for the convenience of citizens.
Policies to tackle trafficking
Separately, Mr Naqvi informed the National Assembly that the government has developed policies to combat human trafficking.
He, however, acknowledged that a number of challenges remained in fully addressing the issue.
In a written reply to a question posed by a lawmaker, he said amendments have been proposed in the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018 and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrant Act 2018 to make them more effective.
The amendments — passed by the NA but awaiting approval from the Senate — focused on imposing longer imprisonment terms and higher fines for trafficking offences.
He said amendments in the Trafficking in Persons Act 2018 were proposed to address new forms of exploitation, such as organised beggary.
As a result of efficient immigration checks and profiling at airports, FIA has successfully intercepted and offloaded 23,468 passengers during 2023 (including 299 travelling on fake/forged documents) and 27,432 during 2024 (including 286 travelling on fake/forged documents), the minister said.
He said ten new border crossing points have been notified along the western borders — with Afghanistan — to strengthen existing infrastructure and ensure legal immigration.
The FIA has already implemented the One-Document Regime (ODR) at all immigration checkpoints along the western border.
The move has brought immigration operations at par with those existing international airports.
The installation of Integrated Border Management System will ensure real-time data capture of all travellers with enforcement of stop lists to curb human trafficking and smuggling.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1903418/deported-felons-passports-to-be-blocked-naqvi
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KP CM aide rules out possibility of giving mines’ control to Centre
Bureau Report
April 11, 2025
PESHAWAR: The adviser to chief minister for finance, Muzammil Aslam, here on Thursday ruled out the possibility of giving control of mines and minerals in Khyber Pakhtunkwa to federal government.
He said that the law was not against the province’s interests as mines and minerals were provincial subject. He added that bills were always amended and the same was amended last year and royalties were increased by 400 per cent.
“The chief minister is challenging federal government on National Finance Commission award and net hydel profit. Do you believe we will give [mines and minerals] away? Over our dead bodies,” Mr Aslam told a news conference.
He claimed that there was nothing wrong in the bill but even if there was, it would be addressed as the bill was under discussion in provincial assembly. He said that about 3,500 mines in the province were still non-operational for different reasons.
Mr Aslam said that memorandums of understanding signed in the mines and minerals conference were not something concrete about investment. He said that KP was hub for mines and minerals, which could boost its economy.
He said that no foreigner could travel to the province owing to restrictions and the condition of obtaining a ‘no objection certificate’ from federal government. He said that provincial government found an operating partner for Miran oil block and the exploration would begin within a year.
“A huge revenue is coming to the province in mines and minerals and a regulatory force is suggested to stop illegal activities,” he said. He said that there were several differences between federal and provincial governments and despite having no footprint [in Islamabad] due to the difference, KP got Rs27 billion in net hydel profit. “Although, they [federal government] owes us more, we receive Rs3 billion monthly,” he added.
The adviser said that provincial government created an impact of Rs250 billion and the province crossed the target of surplus budget by increasing tax and non-tax revenue by 49 per cent.
He also said that royalties [to districts] with natural resources would be cleared before June 30. He said that provincial government contested the case of province and tribal districts in NFC conference.
He said that the province would increase non-tax revenue through five sectors including mines and minerals, forest, tourism, trade corridor and electricity.
Meanwhile, Awami National Party (ANP) has rejected the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act, 2025, terming it an infringement on the province’s resources and autonomy.
According to a statement, ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain presided over meeting of the party’s provincial cabinet at Bacha Khan Markaz and said that the Act would violate the spirit of provincial autonomy. He said that it would also contradict 18th Amendment.
He said that the proposed law allowed federal government and non-provincial institutions to dominate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mineral resources. He said that 18th Amendment ensured provincial autonomy and any attempt to alter it would be against interests of the country.
He said that ANP would resist the Act on all fronts. “If the bill is not withdrawn, ANP will consider judicial action after consulting with legal experts,” he added.
Mr Hussain said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act, 2017, was a comprehensive law regulating mining procedures and practices in the province.
Also, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao on Thursday opposed the proposed amendment to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act 2025 and called it an infringement on provincial autonomy and a violation of the spirit of 18th Amendment.
He was speaking at a meeting of party workers here to review the proposed legislation. He expressed serious concern over federal government’s role in a matter he described as purely a provincial subject.
“There is absolutely no room for federal involvement in this domain,” he said, adding that any attempt to give federal government a role in provincial resources was tantamount to undermining the rights of the province.
During the meeting, various aspects of the proposed law were examined. The party rejected the legislation, stating that the notification of minerals also fell under provincial jurisdiction.
Sikandar Sherpao termed the bill a conspiracy to erode the province’s authority over its own resources and stated that even in the past, when the federation had no role in such matters, provinces were still not granted full rights.
He said that if the proposed law was enacted, responsibility of any injustice to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would rest with provincial government and those parliamentarians, who supported it.
Criticising provincial government, Sikandar Sherpao said that it appeared the PTI rulers were incapable of safeguarding province’s resources and were willing to sacrifice public interests for personal gains.
He reaffirmed QWP’s stance against involvement of federal government in provincial affairs and pledged to resist any such move. “Only the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have the right to their mineral resources,” he asserted, adding that any form of external dominance or interference would not be tolerated.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1903513/kp-cm-aide-rules-out-possibility-of-giving-mines-control-to-centre
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Sindh CM announces establishment of special unit for social media safety
April 10, 2025
The Sindh government will established a special unit to curb misuse of social media, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced on Thursday.
A series of decisions were taken in the 32nd apex committee meeting chaired by CM Murad.
The meeting was told that, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority has been created to ensure online safety and protect the rights of individuals on social media.
The authority will have the power to regulate unlawful or offensive content on social media platforms, manage the enlistment of these platforms, partially or fully block them, and issue guidelines and directives for standards regarding content.
Additionally, it can direct relevant authorities to block or remove unlawful or offensive content.
The provincial government also announced the setting up of a "Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism" to focus on strategies to combat violent extremism, a statement read.
The chief minister directed the home secretary to present the draft law in the next cabinet meeting.
Once established, the centre will focus on research, policy development, and strategies to counter violent extremism.
It will also provide support to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on terror financing investigations and work to counter online radicalization, hate speech, disinformation, and youth delinquency.
During the meeting, CM Murad also emphasised the need for coordination with Punjab and Balochistan to plan joint operations against dacoits in the riverine areas.
"Illegal foreign nationals living in the provinces are being repatriated as per policy of the federal government," he said.
The meeting was informed that the Sindh government completed Phase-I of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in 2023-24, during which 85,916 illegal foreigners were repatriated.
Transit points were established in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Jacobabad under the supervision of the respective deputy commissioners.
The chief minister expressed concern about the increasing number of road accidents in the city, as well as incidents of tankers and dumpers being set on fire.
He instructed the police to take strict action against dumpers and trucks that are operating on the roads in violation of traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, he directed the police to apprehend those responsible for the arson of the tankers.
The meeting held at CM House was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Mohammad Avais Dastagir, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, DG Rangers Maj General Muhammad Shamraiz, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Inspector General Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, AIG Karachi, FIA, Customs, other concerned agencies' representatives.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1299977-sindh-cm-announces-establishment-of-special-unit-for-social-media-safety
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PTI moves resolution against Indus canals project in NA
April 10, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a resolution to the National Assembly Secretariat, raising concerns regarding the construction of canals from the Indus River under the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI).
Led by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan and backed by parliamentary leaders Zartaj Gul, Ali Muhammad Khan, Mujahid Khan, and other party members, the resolution demands an immediate halt to the Cholistan canals project until constitutional provisions are observed and concerns from Sindh are addressed.
The document, "Resolution on Addressing Sindh's Reservations Regarding the Green Pakistan Initiative of Constructing Canals on the Indus River", calls for an emergency meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) within 15 days.
The meeting, it says, should discuss the province of Sindh's objections and ensure input from all stakeholders.
The resolution highlights that Punjab's canal projects, approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in October 2024 under the GPI, could significantly impact Sindh's water share, agriculture, and ecological system.
It demands that the construction of the Cholistan canals be suspended until the CCI grants formal approval, in line with Articles 154 and 155 of the Constitution.
Sindh's share must be protected
The Imran Khan-founded party has called for a moratorium on all new canal projects on the Indus River until the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991 was fully enforced.
This includes securing Sindh's allocated 48.76 million acre-feet (MAF) of water and maintaining an environmental flow of 10 MAF below the Kotri Barrage to preserve the Indus Delta.
The resolution further urges that an independent audit of the Indus River System Authority's (Irsa) water availability certificate be conducted within 60 days by a neutral panel of hydrologists and environmental experts.
The findings should be submitted before the National Assembly to assess compliance with the 1991 accord and gauge the environmental impact on Sindh.
Resolution demands transparency
The PTI has demanded that all decisions on the project be made through a transparent process involving Sindh's elected representatives, civil society, and downstream stakeholders.
The resolution calls for public hearings to be documented and made accessible before the CCI makes any decision.
It concludes by stating that the resolution should be forwarded to the federal government, the CCI, and other relevant bodies for urgent action.
In a protest in Karachi this Sunday, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and PTI, the opposition, warned that it would hinder Karachi's water supply, the biggest city of the country and Sindh's capital.
In March, the Sindh Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution against the project — inaugurated on February 15.
Meanwhile, the war of words between the Punjab and Sindh governments has intensified over the controversial Cholistan canal project, which has emerged as a key point of contention between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) recently.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1299905-pti-moves-resolution-against-indus-canals-project-in-na
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North America
Islamic city planned for Texas hires ex-Paxton attorney to defuse Sharia law concerns
April 10, 2025
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) in late March directed the Texas Rangers, the Texas State Securities Board, and the Texas Workforce Commission to launch investigations into the East Plano Islamic Center concerning its plans to develop a Muslim-centric city on 402 acres near Josephine, roughly 40 miles outside Dallas.
The development would reportedly feature a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and 1,000 homes, townhomes, and apartments.
The proposed city has ignited fears within the surrounding community that it will implement Sharia law and potentially ultimately lead to a "no-go zone."
State investigations
Abbott has repeatedly expressed concerns about the planned community.
In February, Abbott stated in a post on social media, "To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no go zones' which this project seems to imply."
"Bottom line. The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas," the governor concluded, referring to EPIC's promotional clip advertising the plans.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC in March, demanding that it "immediately stop all illegal funeral service operations."
According to Abbott, EPIC had been operating a funeral home without an established license in violation of state law.
Abbott announced on April 1 that EPIC "may not begin construction" on its community, stating that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality discovered it had failed to obtain required "authorizations or permits."
The governor insisted that EPIC City "has serious legal issues" and announced that a dozen state agencies are looking into the proposed community.
The governor tasked the Texas Rangers with investigating EPIC "for potential criminal activities." The Texas Workforce Commission is probing "potential discrimination in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act." The Texas State Securities Board is looking into any "potential financial harm to Texans." Additionally, state Attorney General Ken Paxton is examining "potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws."
"Texas vigorously safeguards the freedoms granted to American citizens in the U.S. Constitution, including the freedom of religion," Abbott said. "To that end, the Texas Workforce Commission opened an investigation into the group behind the proposed EPIC compound who are potentially breaking state fair housing laws by refusing to sell or rent housing to certain groups based on religion or other protected traits."
Texans share concerns
The RAIR Foundation USA was among the first to begin sounding the alarm about EPIC and its proposed city.
Amy Mek, the founder and editor in chief of the RAIR Foundation, warned that the project is not just "a housing development."
"It's the expansion of a Sharia-controlled society, starting with the radical school already operating at the EPIC Mosque in Plano, Texas," Mek wrote. "Now, EPIC is scaling up — EPIC City will operate with no city oversight, no state-controlled curriculum, and no accountability to American laws."
Source: theblaze.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.theblaze.com/news/islamic-city-planned-for-texas-hires-ex-paxton-attorney-to-defuse-sharia-law-concerns
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CAIR Marks End of 2025 Md. Legislative Session With Reflections on Key Progress, Challenges
April 10, 2025
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today marked the end of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, which came to a close with Sine Die on Monday, April 7. As it reflects on sustained advocacy, resilience, and progress for civil rights and social justice, the group extends its gratitude to those who fought alongside CAIR for meaningful change. This year, Muslim communities mobilized with allies and partners to advance policies that protect civil liberties and lay the groundwork for future progress.
Approximately 200 attendees joined the annual Muslim lobby day in Annapolis. Together with its partners and allies, CAIR successfully blocked harmful bills, including the CAMPUS Act which endangered students’ free speech rights in higher education, an anti-masking bill which would have provided law enforcement with further justification to crack down on anti-genocide student protests, and a bill that included the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism, which dangerously conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
CAIR welcomed critical progress to safeguard immigrant communities’ and students’ rights with passage of the Sensitive Locations Act that blocks federal immigration enforcement agencies from entering sensitive spaces like schools, hospitals courthouses and more without a warrant. Some provisions of the Data Privacy Act were also adopted, requiring state agencies to create policies and guidelines regarding data sharing and preventing exploitation and misuse. A critical provision prohibiting the 287(g) program which deputizes local law enforcement agencies from acting as ICE agents was disappointingly struck from the Values Act before it was passed minutes before midnight on the last day of session.
In a major step for sentencing reform and addressing mass incarceration which disproportionately impacts Black Marylanders, the Maryland Second Look Act passed with amendments. It allows qualifying individuals who demonstrate rehabilitation to petition the court for sentence reduction. The Antibias Training Act also passed. This measure requires county board of education members to receive certain mandatory antibias training in order to foster a safer and more equitable public school environment.
Advocates successfully struck funding for the Maryland Israel Development Center, a nonprofit that’s brought weapons manufacturers into the state, from the state budget. Lawmakers will be working with the Department of Commerce to ensure Marylanders’ tax dollars are spent responsibly and ethically. A bill to protect Marylanders’ rights to boycott foreign governments and a bill to extend cyberbullying and anti-doxxing protections from minors to also students in higher education both had significant support and little to no opposition but did not make it to the finish line. CAIR remains committed to working with legislators to amend and advance these and others issues in the future.
CAIR offered testimony on two dozen bills, and advocated in partnership with the Muslim community and allies, sending 66,000+ emails to state lawmakers, making hundreds of calls, and leading or participating in seven press conferences, rallies, and vigils as well as four coalition advocacy letters.
The civil rights organization extends its sincere gratitude to lawmakers, students, witnesses, allies, partner groups and community members who engaged on the right side of history this session—whether by testifying, organizing, responding to action alerts, or reaching out to legislators.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-marks-end-of-2025-md-legislative-session-with-reflections-on-key-progress-challenges/
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CAIR Says Senate Confirmation of Huckabee Will Hurt Muslim and Christian Palestinian Rights
April 10, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, warning that his appointment will undermine the rights and safety of Muslim and Christian Palestinians, including American citizens living in or traveling to the region.
The Senate voted 53-46 on Wednesday to confirm Huckabee, a staunch pro-Israel Republican, with every Republican and only one Democrat—Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania—voting in favor of his nomination.
CAIR previously sent a formal letter to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and all Senate offices opposing Huckabee’s nomination.
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw said:
“By confirming Mike Huckabee, the U.S. Senate has embraced a nominee who denies the existence of Palestinians, justifies illegal Israeli settlements, and traffics in anti-Muslim bigotry. This isn’t diplomacy—it’s moral abandonment.
“His confirmation sends a dangerous message to Palestinian Christians and Muslims, including American citizens, that their lives and rights are disposable.
“While U.S. citizens like 14-year-old Omar Mohammad Rabea are being killed by Israeli forces without consequences, our government should be demanding justice—not appointing people who excuse the violence.”
For years, Huckabee has denied the existence of Palestinians, defended illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, and refused to acknowledge Israel’s illegal military occupation of Palestinian territories. Huckabee has claimed there is “no such thing as a Palestinian,” referred to the West Bank only as “Judea and Samaria,” and insisted that there is “no occupation,” contradicting international law and U.S. State Department designations. He has also compared Muslim prayer to “pornographic films” and claimed Muslims believe Christians should be “obliterated,” rhetoric that fuels Islamophobia and erodes U.S. diplomatic credibility.
Awad noted that just days before Huckabee’s confirmation, Israeli forces reportedly shot and killed 14-year-old Palestinian-American Omar Mohammad Rabea near the entrance of Turmus Ayya in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The U.S. government has yet to hold any Israeli settler or soldier accountable for killing an American citizen, including Shireen Abu Akleh, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, Tawfiq Ajaq, Mohammad Khdour, Omar Assad, Rachel Corrie, and World Central Kitchen aid worker Jacob Flickinger.
CAIR ACTION ALERT: Demand DOJ Prosecute Israelis Responsible for Murdering American Teenager Omar Rabea & Other U.S. Citizens
Huckabee’s appointment comes just days after President Trump hosted at the White House the wanted war criminal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is responsible for the genocide of more than 61,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—carried out with U.S. financial, military, and political support.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-senate-confirmation-of-huckabee-will-hurt-muslim-and-christian-palestinian-rights/
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CAIR Condemns Removal of North Carolina Plaques Covering Tribute to ‘Heroes of the Confederacy’
April 10, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the removal of plaques covering a Confederate flag and a tribute to “Our Heroes of the Confederacy” from a statue outside a courthouse in North Carolina.
Jackson County commissioners removed the plaques, which were installed years ago following controversy over the Confederate flag and the phrase honoring the Confederacy, from the statue in Sylva, North Carolina. The plaques were removed without a vote or any public input.
“We condemn this attempt, without a vote or public input, to renew a tribute to those traitors to our nation who sought to defend slavery, anti-Black racism and white supremacy,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “The plaques should be put back in place, or the statue should be removed entirely.”
He noted that last month, CAIR condemned an executive order signed by President Trump that seeks to remove “improper ideology” from federal sites and allows the nationwide return of monuments honoring the traitorous and white supremacist Confederacy.
CAIR expressed concern that the order would allow inappropriate government interference in the operations of institutions such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Hooper said Washington, D.C., based CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-removal-of-north-carolina-plaques-covering-tribute-to-heroes-of-the-confederacy/
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Trump may have backtracked, but this is far from over
April 10, 2025
There were some heroic efforts overnight from Donald Trump and those around him to suggest the past seven days were something other than absolute chaos.
By this reading, Trump's 4D game of chess has left China in check. Certainly the Chinese economy faces a massive hit from punitive tariffs in its biggest market. But even accounting for the President's roll back, the US has still erected a massive protectionist tariff wall, not seen since the 1930s.
The world is left with a universal 10% tariff, irrespective of whether that country (for example the UK or Australia) actually sells less to the US than the US sells to it. There is now no difference between the EU, which clearly does have a massive trade deficit in goods and was preparing to retaliate, and the UK.
There is also an anxious wait to find out what comes next. One of the questions is whether President Trump pushes ahead with tariffs on medicines, the UK's second biggest goods export.
Plus there is potential logistical chaos on the cards from a little-noticed multi-million dollar port tax for every cargo vessel docking in the US that was "made in China". That is more than half of the global merchant fleet - and it is due next Friday.
Even with Trump's stated 90 day pause on implementing higher tariffs, there remains too much uncertainty for companies to go through the rigmarole of rerouting global trade.
The China fallout
The central issue today, however, is that the world's two great economic superpowers are now facing off against each other like rutting stags.
Tariffs at these sky-high rates are massively hitting business between two nations which together account for around 3% of the entire world's trade. The main motorway of the global economy is effectively shut.
The visible tangible consequences of all this will become very real very quickly: Chinese factories will close, workers will stroll from plant to plant looking for work.
Beijing will need to organise a stimulus package to account for the loss of whole percentage points of GDP, the kind of thing that happens when a natural disaster flattens a major city. Painful, but manageable at a cost, though not forever.
Meanwhile the US will see consumer prices surge. President Trump might try to order these US companies not to raise prices, but the effect will come through soon enough.
In theory this will be in sharp contrast to what is happening in other countries in the world. Across the border in Canada, or in Europe, not only will there not be such China-sourced price rises, there could be price cuts.
From trade wars to currency wars
Trade wars on this scale do not stay confined to the flow of goods. They tend to become currency wars.
What we saw last night was the trade turmoil spread to credit markets, especially the US bond market, having already hit share prices.
Indeed there was an invaluable reveal for the game theory of this conflict. The Trump administration revealed a key pressure point with its concern about the "yippy" - as Trump called it - bond market.
As trading in US government debt continued overnight in Asia, the effective interest rate on these bonds rose to 5%.
This sort of borrowing should not move in such an erratic fashion.
The last time this happened was in the "Dash for Cash", the key moment of financial fragility at the very beginning of the pandemic. The world was focussed on life or death in March 2020, but this potential further crisis was alleviated only by emergency action.
Effectively, the President's row back was a form of emergency policy change.
Was the Chinese government behind this rash of US government bond sales in Asia? Probably not. However, what happened on Wednesday highlighted a vulnerability for Trump.
China is the second biggest holder of US government debt in the world and if it chose to, dumping all that debt would be catastrophic for America. But doing so would be a form of mutually assured economic destruction - the losses for China would be huge.
More importantly, what the bond markets were telling Trump is that they are deeply sceptical about his tariff policy.
The US does have the Federal Reserve, which does have some power to tranquillise bond markets. But right now it does not look like its chairman Jerome Powell will ride to the rescue.
The bond market scepticism echoes the sentiment of the ascendant Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He is now pushing for Trump to reach trade deals with their allies because the US needs them to take on China.
Given the US was previously calling these same close allies cheaters, looters and pillagers, there is no way this was the strategy all along.
This does matter. The US needs the EU, UK, the rest of the G7 on side in terms of China. China probably needs those countries just to stay neutral, and carry on soaking up its exports.
The rest of the world has seen Trump's team struggle to explain tariffing penguin islands or poor African economies and the President himself recirculating the suggestion he was crashing stock markets on purpose. And they've witnessed the fact that the tariff rates were changed after they came into effect and also the absurd nature of the equation used to calculate them.
It's in this context that Trump's handling of the situation has handed leverage back to the rest of the world, because neither friend nor foe will know quite what they are negotiating with this America.
There is a calm, welcomed by all, but it could be rather brief.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20xxv3y9r2o
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South Asia
Bangladesh mosques to hold special prayers for victims of Israeli atrocities in Gaza
11 Apr 2025
The Islamic Foundation has called for special prayers at all mosques across Bangladesh for victims of Israeli atrocities in Palestine's Gaza.
The special prayers and munajat, or supplication, will be held after Jummah prayers on Friday, the foundation said in a statement.
Denouncing the "genocide and widespread destruction" carried out by Israeli forces in Gaza, it said Israel has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis by cutting off food and water supplies to the region, pushing its residents to the brink of famine.
Highlighting the outrage sparked across the Muslim world by the "most barbaric genocide in history”, the Islamic Foundation expressed deep shock, empathy and condolences to the embattled Palestinians.
The decision to hold special prayers was made in light of their ongoing plight, it said.
The foundation also urged people to remain peaceful and vigilant while expressing their solidarity, condolences and empathy to the Palestinians so that law and order are not disrupted.
It also called on mosque leaders to raise awareness among people about the need to maintain law and order.
The statement comes amid nationwide protests in Bangladesh against the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza. People from all walks of life have taken to the streets in cities and towns across the country to join marches and rallies.
They condemned the Israeli aggression and urged world leaders to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians.
As a part of the movement, students and the general public also took part in the global “No Work, No School” campaign on Monday, holding rallies, protest marches and strikes in solidarity with Palestine.
Source: bdnews24.com
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https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/bb89d8839a36
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UNAMA Criticizes Taliban Virtue Ministry For Human Rights Violations
By Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2025
UNAMA’s new report criticizes the Taliban’s Virtue Ministry for policies that violate human rights and restrict citizens’ freedoms.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has released a new report criticizing the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice under the Taliban. The report highlights that the ministry’s policies violate human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens of Afghanistan.
Published on Thursday, April 10, the report is based on six months of observations and continuous monitoring. It specifically criticizes the implementation and enforcement methods of the ministry, describing them as oppressive and lacking accountability.
UNAMA notes that the law enacted by the Taliban in August 2024 treats Afghanistan’s citizens as “subjects under control” rather than recognizing them as rights-holding individuals. The law, according to the report, fails to respect civil liberties and imposes restrictive measures on everyday life.
The report emphasizes that women and girls have been disproportionately affected by these restrictions, which have worsened the humanitarian and economic crisis in the country. With around 3,300 officers deployed across 28 provinces, the ministry has been accused of arbitrary arrests, confiscation of property, and unregulated punishments.
UNAMA further references World Bank data, warning that restrictions on women’s education and employment may cost Afghanistan’s economy an estimated $1.4 billion annually. The ministry’s policies, including bans on travel, dress codes, and women’s public participation, are contributing to poverty and food insecurity.
One of the most striking elements of the report is the documentation of 1,033 cases of arbitrary punishment between August 2021 and March 2024. This includes 205 cases against women and 828 against men. Punishments range from threats and beatings to public floggings and detention.
These practices, the report concludes, have created a climate of fear and intimidation. It also highlights cases of religious interference, such as forced iftar practices in Daikundi province in 2023, which UNAMA describes as violations of religious freedom.
The Taliban authorities have not officially responded to this report. However, in past instances, they have dismissed similar accusations as baseless and shaped by “Western perspectives,” asserting that their laws are grounded in Islamic Sharia and Hanafi jurisprudence.
UNAMA’s report urges the international community and human rights bodies to increase pressure on the Taliban to uphold international human rights obligations. It calls for transparent mechanisms of accountability and the restoration of women’s rights in public, educational, and professional life.
In light of the deepening humanitarian and rights crisis, the report serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for global attention and advocacy. Without meaningful reform and oversight, millions of Afghans—especially women and girls—will continue to suffer under an unchecked regime.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/unama-criticizes-taliban-virtue-ministry-for-rights-violations/
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IEA supreme leader urges officials to serve diligently
Noorullah Zazai
11 Apr 2025
KABUL (Pajhwok): The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has said that government authorities are obligated to serve the public, just as the people supported the Mujahideen during the “Jihadi era.”
He emphasized that the time has come for officials to return that service to the people.
Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the IEA, wrote on his X account that Sheikh Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada on Thursday met with Paktia Governor Mullah Mehrullah Hamad, the head of the Ulema Council, the provincial police chief, the intelligence director, and heads of all government departments in the province.
During the meeting, the IEA leader said: “Allah the Almighty has granted us a great opportunity. Be thankful to Him for providing a favorable environment for the promotion of knowledge, religion, Islam, unity, solidarity, brotherhood, and faith-based cooperation. Preserving and protecting these blessings is our shared responsibility.”
He urged officials to remain vigilant in their duties and avoid negligence.
Mullah Haibatullah stressed the importance of implementing Islamic and Sharia law, particularly the principle of “enjoining good and forbidding evil,” which he described as a central goal of Islam.
He said the time had come to apply Sharia in economic, political, and military affairs.
He added: “Strive to maintain strong coordination among yourselves. Obey your superiors, and ensure good cooperation with ministers and department heads in your respective ministries. Obedience to ministers is mandatory for all officials and must be taken seriously.”
Reiterating his message, he said: “Just as the people once served the Mujahideen during the Jihadi era, now it is the officials’ turn to serve the people.”
The IEA leader also called on authorities to work actively to address public grievances, resolve local conflicts and tribal disputes, and contribute to the restoration of peace and security.
He urged officials to make strong efforts toward fostering reconciliation and harmony within their communities.
Source: pajhwok.com
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https://pajhwok.com/2025/04/11/iea-supreme-leader-urges-official-to-serve-people-diligently/
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Islamic Emirate Seeks Peace and Stability for Afghanistan: Russia
2025-04-10
KABUL(BNA): Russia has stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks peace and stability in the country while expressing a desire to expand economic ties with Moscow.
In an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia, Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, emphasized that Afghanistan possesses vast untapped potential, particularly in the transport and trade sectors.
“We have been in contact with the Afghans. They want to live in peace and stability and have a positive view of Russia. They are also very interested in developing economic relations with Moscow,” Overchuk said.
Russia is currently reviewing the removal of the Islamic Emirate from its list of banned organizations. Overchuk noted that the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office is pursuing the delisting process through the Supreme Court, which could pave the way for broader diplomatic and commercial engagement.
“This is a legal procedure, and if such a decision is made, it will open better opportunities for relations with Afghanistan,” he added.
The Russian official also highlighted Afghanistan’s stability under the Islamic Emirate, which has opened up previously inaccessible logistical corridors.
“Today, peace is returning to Afghanistan, and opportunities are emerging that did not exist before,” Overchuk said.
He pointed to regional infrastructure projects, including ongoing discussions on constructing rail lines through Afghanistan to connect Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan with Pakistan and India. Notably, Afghanistan has adopted Russia’s 1,520-mm railway gauge standard, aligning with Moscow’s vision for the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-seeks-peace-and-stability-for-afghanistan-russia/
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Germany to expand deportation plan to Afghanistan under new Government
By Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2025
Germany’s new government plans to expand deportations to Afghanistan, targeting rejected asylum seekers amid growing political pressure and migration concerns.
German media have reported that the country’s future government plans to resume deportation flights to Afghanistan and Syria as part of a tougher immigration policy targeting undocumented migrants and rejected asylum seekers.
According to Deutsche Welle on Thursday, April 10, the plan aims to return around 200,000 individuals who currently hold a “tolerated” (Duldung) immigration status. This marks a significant shift in Germany’s approach to managing migration challenges.
Among those most affected are Afghan migrants, who make up one of the largest asylum-seeking communities in Germany. The new policy reportedly includes accelerating the process of returning Afghan nationals to their home country.
Thorsten Frei, head of the Christian Democratic Union’s parliamentary group, told Bild newspaper: “We will carry out deportations and return flights to Afghanistan and Syria. The German people can count on this promise.”
Germany had halted deportations to Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in August 2021 due to human rights concerns. However, mounting domestic political pressure has pushed the government to reconsider its stance.
Over the past decade, tens of thousands of Afghans have sought asylum in Germany, fleeing war, insecurity, and threats from the Taliban. Many of them remain under “tolerated” status—lacking permanent residency but not deported due to safety concerns in their home country.
The first deportation flight to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power occurred in August 2024, with 28 Afghan men convicted of criminal offenses returned to Kabul via a Qatar-mediated agreement. The flight was seen as a trial step toward broader deportation efforts.
The incoming government’s new deportation policy, expected to take effect after the February 2025 elections, is likely to extend beyond criminal offenders and include all rejected asylum seekers—raising concerns among migrant rights groups.
Germany’s renewed deportation policy highlights a growing tension between domestic political pressures and humanitarian obligations. As the government moves forward, the fate of thousands of vulnerable individuals remains uncertain, sparking debates over the balance between security and compassion.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/germany-to-expand-deportation-plan-to-afghanistan-under-new-government/
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Amir al-Mu’minin Orders New Appointments in Key Institution
2025-04-10
KABUL (BNA): By decree of His Excellency the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate, Amir al-Mu’minin Mawlavi Hibatullah Akhundzada new appointments were made across several institutions.
The General Directorate of Administrative Affairs announced the following changes:
• Kandahar: Former mufti of the Southwestern Zone’s Trade Directorate, Mawlawi Muhammad Ismail, appointed as Criminal Police Chief of Kandahar Province.
• Helmand: Former Takhar Provincial Security Chief Mawlawi Nasrullah Hadifa named Security Operations Chief of Helmand Province.
• Khost: Former Helmand Security Operations Chief Mawlawi Mohammad Din Shah appointed as Director of Economy for Khost Province.
• Kandahar: Former Kandahar Criminal Police Chief Sheikh Fazl Haq Shakar appointed as Director of Foreign Affairs for Kandahar Province.
• Nangarhar: Former Director-General of Jihadi Heritage Preservation at the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mawlawi Zabihullah Noorani, appointed as Director of Information and Culture for Nangarhar Province.
All appointments take immediate effect.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/amir-al-muminin-orders-new-appointments-in-key-institution/
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US resumes emergency food aid, excludes Afghanistan and Yemen
By Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2025
The U.S. has resumed emergency food aid to several countries, excluding Afghanistan and Yemen, where humanitarian needs remain extremely urgent.
The U.S. Department of State and American officials have confirmed to the Associated Press that the Trump administration has resumed emergency food aid to several countries, including Somalia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Ecuador. However, this renewed assistance does not extend to Afghanistan and Yemen—two of the world’s poorest and war-ravaged nations, where humanitarian needs remain dire.
Just last week, the United States announced a suspension of funding for emergency food aid programs across more than a dozen countries, notably including Afghanistan. According to a new assessment by the World Food Programme (WFP), this decision will result in food aid being cut off for nearly two million people in Afghanistan by the end of this year. Additionally, over 650,000 children, pregnant women, and mothers at risk of malnutrition are expected to be affected.
Humanitarian agencies have raised serious concerns, warning that cuts in aid could endanger the lives of millions of vulnerable individuals and intensify instability in conflict-affected regions. Despite lobbying efforts by senior United Nations officials with members of the U.S. Congress, the decision to exclude Afghanistan from resumed aid remains unchanged. These sudden aid suspensions reflect a broader pattern in U.S. foreign assistance policy under the Trump administration.
Jeremy Lewin, Deputy Director of Government Efficiency under Trump, reportedly authorized the lifting of aid bans for several countries. Meanwhile, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the administration’s earlier decision, asserting that halting humanitarian aid would undermine the United States’ global standing and credibility as a leader in international relief efforts.
The U.S. remains the largest donor to the World Food Programme, contributing $4.5 billion out of the organization’s $9.8 billion global funding last year. In 2024, the U.S. accounted for 43% of all humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Yet, the Trump administration’s refusal to reinstate emergency aid to Afghanistan severely affects a population where over half depend on international assistance for basic survival.
On Capitol Hill, the House Foreign Affairs Committee recently reviewed legislation aimed at preventing the Taliban from accessing U.S. aid meant for Afghanistan. Lawmakers acknowledged the complexities of ensuring aid does not fall into the wrong hands but emphasized that cutting all humanitarian support would be detrimental to the Afghanistan people—particularly women and children facing acute hardship.
The continued reduction of aid will impact approximately $560 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. These funds were designated for emergency food aid, treatment for malnourished infants, essential healthcare, access to clean drinking water, and psychological support for victims of sexual and physical violence. Without urgent policy reversal, millions of Afghans are at risk of deeper suffering and neglect.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/us-resumes-emergency-food-aid-excludes-afghanistan-and-yemen/
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WHO reports nine Polio Cases in Afghanistan in four months
By Fidel Rahmati
April 11, 2025
WHO reports nine new polio cases in Afghanistan over the past four months, raising concerns about virus resurgence and vaccination gaps.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least nine new cases of polio in Afghanistan and 71 in Pakistan over the past four months.
In a report released on Thursday, April 10, WHO stated that this fourfold increase has raised serious concerns about the spread of a more dangerous strain of the poliovirus in the region.
According to the report, the poliovirus has been primarily detected in southern Afghanistan, a region where door-to-door polio vaccination campaigns have not been conducted in the past year.
WHO warned that the aggressive strain of the poliovirus is expected to remain a serious threat to both Afghanistan and Pakistan throughout 2025.
The organization also revealed that three new polio cases were recorded in Afghanistan in less than a month, indicating a troubling trend.
Meanwhile, WHO’s Emergency Committee reported significant challenges in implementing vaccination campaigns in the affected areas, citing access and logistical issues.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only two countries where polio has not yet been eradicated, despite years of global efforts.
In a hopeful development, WHO recently announced that Saudi Arabia has pledged $500 million to support the eradication of polio in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
While financial support is essential, WHO emphasized that overcoming political and operational obstacles is equally critical to ensuring all children in high-risk regions receive polio vaccinations. Strengthening partnerships with local authorities and communities will be vital in reaching this goal.
If sustained efforts are not intensified now, health experts warn the virus could continue spreading, not only threatening regional stability but also undermining decades of global progress in eradicating polio.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/who-reports-nine-polio-cases-in-afghanistan-in-four-months/
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Europe
Teenager denies vandalising mosque in 'hate crime'
10 APR 2025
A teenager has denied vandalising a mosque in Aberdeen.
Jayden Wallace, 18, is accused of throwing paint at Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre as well as smashing a window with a rock in March.
The charge states it would be proved under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 that it was aggravated by prejudice.
Mr Wallace pled not guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and the case was continued until later in the year.
It is alleged the offence happened on 15 and 16 March this year at Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre, in the Spital area of the city.
It is claimed Mr Wallace wilfully or recklessly damaged the property by repeatedly throwing white paint at a door, and throwing a rock at a window, causing it to smash.
It is alleged this was aggravated by prejudice relating to race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins.
Mr Wallace was granted bail, with a condition that he did not approach or enter Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp91ylly9r4o
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Tan Dhesi Celebrates The Annual Unity Iftar
10th April
By Olivia Endellion Mowl
The MP for Slough has once again been out and about celebrating the diverse cultures that inhabit our town.
On this occasion, Tan Dhesi went to celebrate the annual Unity Iftar as those who take part in it draw near to the end of Ramadan.
To commemorate such an event Mr Dhesi posted a number of photographs to social media along with the following caption:
He said "Touched by the warm welcome as we celebrated the annual Unity Iftar towards the end of Ramadan.
"Within my speech, highlighted in particular the positive work of UK Islamic Mission Slough, not just for our local Muslim community, but to promote community cohesion amongst all."
Source: sloughobserver.co.uk
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https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/25079817.tan-dhesi-celebrates-annual-unity-iftar/
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Oldest Post Office scandal victim says new compensation offer 'not good enough'
11 APR 2025
The oldest surviving victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal has had her offer of compensation increased but she said "it's still not good enough".
Betty Brown, 92, was originally offered less than a third of what she had claimed for, but she has now received a new offer of 60%.
However the former sub-postmistress told the BBC justice was still being denied.
Post Office minister Gareth Thomas, who had previously promised to look at her case, said it was always the government's priority to pay as much redress as it could.
Betty said she was forced out of her branch in Country Durham in 2003 after she and her late husband spent more than £50,000 of their savings to cover shortfalls that did not exist.
It was the faulty software that made it look like money was missing from their branch.
Her post office had been one of the most successful in the region but she was later forced to sell it at a loss.
The Horizon IT system was responsible for more than 900 sub-postmasters being wrongfully accused of theft, with many being prosecuted and some even being sent to jail. The scandal has been described as one of the widest miscarriages of justice in the UK, and was the subject of ITV drama "Mr Bates vs The Post Office".
"It absolutely destroyed my whole life," she told the BBC.
She thanked Mr Thomas for helping her but said there was "still a long way to go to get the justice that we were promised".
Betty has been waiting 26 years for things to be put right.
"We're just getting fobbed off. The evidence is all there," she said.
More than £892m has now been paid to over 6,200 claimants across four different compensation schemes, according to the latest government figures.
But a group of MPs in January said compensation is not being paid quickly enough, and called for changes to the way redress was being delivered.
Mrs Brown was one of the original 555 victims who took part in the landmark group legal action led by Alan Bates against the post office. And she is seeking her compensation via the GLO scheme, established just over three years ago.
Betty's story has become a high-profile case. Mr Thomas was pressed about it on BBC's Newsnight in January, where he promised to look into her case. He met Betty and several other victims the following day.
Although Betty's offer has now increased from 29% to 60% of her claim it is still far less than what she says experts told her she could expect.
News of her revised offer will not be encouraging for other victims also embroiled in disputes over what is full and fair redress.
Post Office Minister Mr Thomas said he can "understand the frustration when lawyers are not able to reach an agreement on a claim".
"It is always our priority to pay as much redress as we can, and in some cases, we have been able to offer more than has been claimed," he said, adding that the government would take "further steps to quickly and fairly resolve" challenges in disputes such as Betty's."
Betty is determined fight on to get what she still believes she is owed.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05nn3r3zpjo
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Zelensky labels Putin aide a ‘separatist born in Ukraine’
10 Apr, 2025
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has insulted Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, branding the Kiev-born negotiator a separatist.
Dmitriev, who serves as the Russian presidential adviser on international economic cooperation, is playing a prominent role in normalization talks with the US, focusing on potential projects that could benefit both nations.
Commenting on Dmitriev's role as a negotiator on Wednesday, Zelensky referred to him as “a separ who was born in Ukraine.” The shorthand for “separatist” has been prevalent in Ukraine since the 2014 coup in Kiev, and is used to denounce those seen as disloyal to the Ukrainian government.
Born in 1975 in Kiev, then-Soviet Ukraine, Dmitriev participated in a student exchange program to study at Foothill College in California in the early 1990s. He later pursued higher education at Stanford University and Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA. He worked in the private sector, including for major Western firms Goldman Sachs and McKinsey, before assuming leadership of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) in 2011.
Zelensky also alleged that Dmitriev is leveraging his business connections in the Middle East to facilitate a scheme allowing Russian nationals to recover assets frozen by Western nations.
Dmitriev traveled to Washington earlier this month to meet with senior White House officials. The US temporarily lifted personal sanctions imposed on him as CEO of the Russian welfare fund to permit his entry.
Commenting on Zelensky’s remark, Ukrainian lawmaker Artyom Dmitruk described it as “yet another act of political hysteria,” illustrating deep-seated “hatred and astonishing lack of understanding.” In a post on his Telegram channel on Wednesday, the MP noted that Dmitriev is an “esteemed economist and negotiator” who commands respect both in Russia and globally.
Dmitruk argued that the Russian official is a top-level professional “acting strictly in the interest of his country” and working toward establishing dialogue and de-escalation, unlike Zelensky, who “continues kindling hatred” and is leading Ukraine into the abyss.
The lawmaker fled his country in August, claiming that the Ukrainian authorities had plotted to “liquidate” him.
Senior Ukrainian officials have a history of provocative remarks. Andrey Melnik notably called German Chancellor Olaf Scholz “an offended liverwurst” while serving as Kiev’s ambassador in Berlin in 2022. This week, Zelensky appointed Melnik to lead the Ukrainian delegation at the UN, finalizing a decision he announced in December.
In 2021, Zelensky infamously referred to Ukrainian citizens targeted by his government with sanctions as “species” rather than human beings. The comment followed a decree from the Ukrainian Security Council that restricted the rights of Viktor Medvedchuk, then head of the largest opposition party, whom Zelensky accused of being “pro-Russian.”
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/615542-zelensky-dmitriev-ukrainian-separatist/
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Southeast Asia
Indonesia's Baznas sends 10,000 sarongs to quake-hit Myanmar Muslims
April 10, 2025
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's National Alms Agency (Baznas) has provided 10,000 sarongs—a traditional garment commonly worn by Muslims in Southeast Asia—to support Muslim survivors of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Baznas' Head of Distribution and Utilization, Saidah Sakwan, stated that the distribution of sarongs is part of the agency's rapid response to meet the basic needs of survivors following the disaster.
"During this emergency situation, a sarong can be worn as daily clothing and also serve as protection against extreme weather," she said.
Sakwan explained that the earthquake, which struck Myanmar in late March, displaced thousands of people and left many without access to essential facilities and basic necessities.
In these challenging conditions, she emphasized the urgent need for proper clothing, especially for Muslims, who traditionally wear sarongs during prayer.
“Baznas has been striving to ease the burden of our brothers and sisters in Myanmar who are facing hardship. We chose sarongs because they are considered a daily essential, especially for Muslim survivors,” she added.
She also highlighted the multifunctionality of the sarong, noting that it can double as a makeshift mattress.
In addition to the garments, Baznas has delivered 100 power generators, 50 tents, 1,000 hygiene kits for women and children, 5,000 blankets, 50 tarpaulins, and essential medicines to Myanmar.
Sakwan said these aid items reflect Indonesia’s solidarity, compassion, and care for fellow Southeast Asians affected by the disaster.
“Hopefully, the assistance delivered by the Indonesian people through Baznas will help ease the burden of those impacted by the earthquake in Myanmar and strengthen the spirit of solidarity between our nations in times of crisis,” she concluded.
Source: antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/351249/indonesias-baznas-sends-10000-sarongs-to-quake-hit-myanmar-muslims
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Education must embrace knowledge and core human values, says PM Anwar
Bernama
11-04- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphasised that education should cultivate not only intellectual capacity but also core values such as freedom, peace and unity.
He said the real challenge for the education system was to ensure students were equipped with knowledge and information, while also possessing the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
“When I talk about knowledge, whether it is economics or politics, for all political scientists here in the making, for technology, for science, the fundamental values of freedom, justice and human dignity must be there and that stands on values,” he said.
The prime minister said this during the ‘Meet Anwar@IIUM: A Special Homecoming’ programme held at the Cultural Activities Centre, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Gombak Campus, here.Travel insurance plans
The programme, an open dialogue session between the Prime Minister and the campus community, particularly university students, was attended by nearly 3,000 staff and students.
Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shaari and IIUM Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/education-must-embrace-knowledge-and-core-human-values-says-pm-anwar-PJ13920384
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M’sia to continue advocating for Gaza while safeguarding national interests - PM Anwar
Bernama
11-04- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to raise the issue of Gaza and Palestine while continuing to prioritise national interests, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.Travel insurance plans
He stressed that both elements are crucial if Malaysia is to provide meaningful support to the Palestinian cause.
“As an emerging country, we have done our utmost. However, it (the issue) remains unresolved.
“Make sure we can shout (demonstrate and support the Palestinians’ cause) as much as we can but we must put our house in order, stop the corruption, the abuse of power, make sure we govern well and protect the interests of our people. That is the answer. Not short term but long term.
Speaking at the ‘Meet Anwar@IIUM: A Special Homecoming’ programme, an open dialogue session attended by nearly 3,000 students and staff of the Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the prime minister cautioned that national weakness could expose the country to exploitation and undermine its ability to support others effectively.
“If you are weak, people will squander your wealth, then you are being abused and there is nothing you can do. We will continue to raise the issue of Gaza and protect our national interests because, without the economic interests and the wealth, we cannot help them. We can, of course, express (our support) very strongly,” he said today.Travel insurance plans
Asked whether Malaysia’s firm support for Palestine has impacted ties with Western nations, Anwar emphasised that Malaysia remains a trading nation, with the United States (US) still its largest investor and a major export destination, followed by China and Germany.
“We have expressed our displeasure and differences on various issues but this is not new. Even during the Vietnam War, our student leaders protested against what we saw as injustices. Have they (Western powers) learned? Sadly, many have not,” he said.
Anwar pointed to the persistence of neo-imperialism, where pluralism and human dignity are eroded and reaffirmed Malaysia’s firm opposition to all forms of colonisation.
“We oppose the atrocities that have caused so much harm and we will continue to engage,” he said.
Commenting on recent trade tensions, including tariff measures introduced by US President Donald Trump’s administration, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to protecting its national interests while navigating global economic challenges.
He said the actions run contrary to international trading practices, including those set by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“The US had urged us to move quickly to accept certain trade terms. Now that we have accepted them, they say no, they discard the terms. We don’t operate like that... do we agree on everything? No. Do we protect our interests? Absolutely.
“I want to protect this country, our workers, our families. Whatever decisions we make must serve both national and international interests and protect our people, our investors and key industries such as semiconductors,” he said, highlighting that 65 per cent of Malaysia’s exports go to the US.
He also cited continued confidence from major US companies, such as Oracle and Microsoft, which remain committed to continuing operations in Malaysia despite facing challenges in neighbouring countries.
He added that political stability as well as clear and consistent policies are vital for maintaining Malaysia’s appeal to global investors.
As Malaysia continues to balance relationships with key trading partners, Anwar also underscored the importance of ASEAN centrality in the country’s foreign policy.
“In the next few days, (Chinese) President Xi Jinping is coming. Of course, the US and China are currently at a trade war but I also happen to chair ASEAN this year and our policy is, of course, centrality.
“We will continue to engage with the US as a traditional ally, friend and trade partner. But no one should stop us from building strong ties with China - a major economic force that respects our sovereignty. China has not caused us any issues. They recognise and respect our freedom and rights,” he said.
In the meantime, Anwar also called for unity among Muslim nations, neighbouring countries and even Western powers that now share Malaysia’s stance in supporting Palestine, to collectively push for a ceasefire and an end to the ongoing atrocities.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/m-sia-to-continue-advocating-for-gaza-while-safeguarding-national-interests-pm-anwar-GJ13920215
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After Terengganu MB’s surveillance claim, PM Anwar confirms all top leaders monitored including him
By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
11 Apr 2025
GOMBAK, April 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today he too is under surveillance as he responded to an allegation by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar that his phone is being tapped.
Anwar was asked to comment on the matter by a reporter after meeting students at the International Islamic University here amid concerns over privacy.
He claimed all of the country’s top leaders are being surveilled, but did not elaborate.
“I too have (TCO), all VIPs have it,” the prime minister said briefly before walking away.
TCO refers to “Travel Control Office/Order” (TCO), supposedly a domestic security designation for individuals purportedly deemed a “risk” or “threat”.
Samsuri earlier this week claimed that he had been flagged in the border control system as “TCO” and is being watched. He had also suggested his phone had been tapped, according to Malaysiakini.
Malay Mail could not independently verify this.
Earlier Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail dismissed Samsuri’s allegation, saying there is no reason to deem the Terengganu MB a security risk.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/11/after-terengganu-mbs-surveillance-claim-pm-anwar-confirms-all-top-leaders-monitored-including-him/172727
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Ahead of PKR polls, Anwar warns against disunity, urges members to pick trustworthy leaders
11 Apr 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members to uphold ethical values and a spirit of togetherness in choosing the new leadership lineup in next month’s party elections.
Anwar, who is also the PKR president, said the 2025 PKR Elections should be held in a spirit of togetherness and in an ethical manner to prevent a culture of division.
“As I have always stressed — Keadilan is not merely a political party, but a platform for the people’s struggles. As such, choose leaders who are of integrity, trustworthy and truly represent the voice of the majority.
“Insya-Allah, our efforts and endeavours will be facilitated for the sake of a fairer and more prosperous Malaysia for all,” Anwar posted on Facebook today.
At the same time, he also wished all PKR members and candidates the best of luck and success at the upcoming party polls.
On January 26, PKR was reported to have decided that elections for its Central Leadership Council (CLC), Women’s Central Leadership, and Central Youth Wing would take place on May 24.
PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh said the Division, Women’s Division and Youth Wing Division leadership elections will be held from today to April 20. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/11/ahead-of-pkr-polls-anwar-warns-against-disunity-urges-members-to-pick-trustworthy-leaders/172702
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kashmiri-pandits-certificates-sangharsh-samiti/d/135131